Fathers Day - The Christ-Centered Man - Dr. Archie Mason

Amen. And amen. Well, again, good Amen. And amen. Well, again, good morning. Welcome here to uh Central morning. Welcome here to uh Central morning. Welcome here to uh Central Baptist Church. If you are visiting with Baptist Church. If you are visiting with Baptist Church. If you are visiting with us for the first time, maybe engaging uh us for the first time, maybe engaging uh us for the first time, maybe engaging uh television online, my name is Archie television online, my name is Archie television online, my name is Archie Mace. I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks Mace. I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks Mace. I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks for uh being with us today. If you got a for uh being with us today. If you got a for uh being with us today. If you got a Bible with you, maybe you got your Bible Bible with you, maybe you got your Bible Bible with you, maybe you got your Bible on your phone. Let's take it and turn to on your phone. Let's take it and turn to on your phone. Let's take it and turn to Philippians chapter 1. Uh on this Philippians chapter 1. Uh on this Philippians chapter 1. Uh on this Father's Day, we're going to stay in Father's Day, we're going to stay in Father's Day, we're going to stay in this passage of scripture. We're going this passage of scripture. We're going this passage of scripture. We're going to pick up in verse 18. We got about to pick up in verse 18. We got about to pick up in verse 18. We got about four or five verses of scripture going four or five verses of scripture going four or five verses of scripture going to work through. I want to go back to work through. I want to go back to work through. I want to go back through 18. We hit it last week. I want through 18. We hit it last week. I want through 18. We hit it last week. I want to hit it again. is very important as we to hit it again. is very important as we to hit it again. is very important as we talk about being a Christ centered man. talk about being a Christ centered man. talk about being a Christ centered man. Now, this is a passage. This is for Now, this is a passage. This is for Now, this is a passage. This is for everybody, boys and girls, men and everybody, boys and girls, men and everybody, boys and girls, men and women. Uh but specifically today, uh women. Uh but specifically today, uh women. Uh but specifically today, uh it's going to be for men. So, we're it's going to be for men. So, we're it's going to be for men. So, we're going to talk about what it means to be going to talk about what it means to be going to talk about what it means to be a Christ centered man. Now, when I was a Christ centered man. Now, when I was a Christ centered man. Now, when I was at the age of six, I thought my daddy's at the age of six, I thought my daddy's at the age of six, I thought my daddy's 94. I called him this morning. I see how 94. I called him this morning. I see how 94. I called him this morning. I see how he's doing. Some of you know he's been he's doing. Some of you know he's been he's doing. Some of you know he's been in the hospital a few weeks back. He's in the hospital a few weeks back. He's in the hospital a few weeks back. He's doing good. His mind's clear. And so, uh doing good. His mind's clear. And so, uh doing good. His mind's clear. And so, uh he's just there at the house. So, I I he's just there at the house. So, I I he's just there at the house. So, I I call this morning. At the age of six, I call this morning. At the age of six, I call this morning. At the age of six, I thought my daddy knew everything that thought my daddy knew everything that thought my daddy knew everything that there could be. Okay. Now, when I got to there could be. Okay. Now, when I got to there could be. Okay. Now, when I got to the age of 10, I thought my daddy knew the age of 10, I thought my daddy knew the age of 10, I thought my daddy knew almost everything. And then I hit the almost everything. And then I hit the almost everything. And then I hit the blessed teenage years. Okay. Uh for any blessed teenage years. Okay. Uh for any blessed teenage years. Okay. Uh for any of you that raised teenagers, you know of you that raised teenagers, you know of you that raised teenagers, you know what I'm talking about. At the age of what I'm talking about. At the age of what I'm talking about. At the age of 14, I thought, my daddy does not know 14, I thought, my daddy does not know 14, I thought, my daddy does not know anything. By the time I turned 18 and I anything. By the time I turned 18 and I anything. By the time I turned 18 and I was ready to leave home, I thought my was ready to leave home, I thought my was ready to leave home, I thought my daddy is like from another planet, has daddy is like from another planet, has daddy is like from another planet, has no idea what's going on with reality and no idea what's going on with reality and no idea what's going on with reality and has lost touch with everything. But at has lost touch with everything. But at has lost touch with everything. But at the age of 25, I thought, well, my the age of 25, I thought, well, my the age of 25, I thought, well, my daddy's a lot smarter than what I daddy's a lot smarter than what I daddy's a lot smarter than what I thought he was. And then about the age

thought he was. And then about the age thought he was. And then about the age of 35 or so, then there are times I'd of 35 or so, then there are times I'd of 35 or so, then there are times I'd call and say, hey, you know what? I'm call and say, hey, you know what? I'm call and say, hey, you know what? I'm about to do something here. I need some about to do something here. I need some about to do something here. I need some advice. Now, I know not all of you that advice. Now, I know not all of you that advice. Now, I know not all of you that your parents are still living. my dad your parents are still living. my dad your parents are still living. my dad is. But for most people when you uh you is. But for most people when you uh you is. But for most people when you uh you know, you get to my age or whatever, you know, you get to my age or whatever, you know, you get to my age or whatever, you kind of if your dad's not living, you kind of if your dad's not living, you kind of if your dad's not living, you may think like, well, what would he do may think like, well, what would he do may think like, well, what would he do uh in this situation? The the question uh in this situation? The the question uh in this situation? The the question today is, you know, not is or was my dad today is, you know, not is or was my dad today is, you know, not is or was my dad smart or, you know, did my dad do well smart or, you know, did my dad do well smart or, you know, did my dad do well in business or whatever. The question is in business or whatever. The question is in business or whatever. The question is that we got to answer. Now, that's that we got to answer. Now, that's that we got to answer. Now, that's specific to men. Again, it's God's specific to men. Again, it's God's specific to men. Again, it's God's inspired word. It goes across all ages, inspired word. It goes across all ages, inspired word. It goes across all ages, uh you know, male, female, uh genders, uh you know, male, female, uh genders, uh you know, male, female, uh genders, all this. But the question is, was my all this. But the question is, was my all this. But the question is, was my dad a Christ centered man? Now, my dad dad a Christ centered man? Now, my dad dad a Christ centered man? Now, my dad may be watching. He's uh probably unable may be watching. He's uh probably unable may be watching. He's uh probably unable to go to First Baptist Church Bisco uh to go to First Baptist Church Bisco uh to go to First Baptist Church Bisco uh this morning. So, he I know he probably this morning. So, he I know he probably this morning. So, he I know he probably watched 8:00. I don't know if he'll tune watched 8:00. I don't know if he'll tune watched 8:00. I don't know if he'll tune in for the next two or what, but he may in for the next two or what, but he may in for the next two or what, but he may be watching this. But, you know, when I be watching this. But, you know, when I be watching this. But, you know, when I was growing up, I and I wasn't saved. I was growing up, I and I wasn't saved. I was growing up, I and I wasn't saved. I was in church every Sunday, but I wasn't was in church every Sunday, but I wasn't was in church every Sunday, but I wasn't born again. Okay? I just went through born again. Okay? I just went through born again. Okay? I just went through the motions. I knew all the stories, the motions. I knew all the stories, the motions. I knew all the stories, whatever. But I'd watch my daddy tithe.

whatever. But I'd watch my daddy tithe. whatever. But I'd watch my daddy tithe. He worked for the United uh States He worked for the United uh States He worked for the United uh States Department of Agriculture, so he worked Department of Agriculture, so he worked Department of Agriculture, so he worked for USDA. I think got paid every two for USDA. I think got paid every two for USDA. I think got paid every two weeks. But I'd watch him tithe every two weeks. But I'd watch him tithe every two weeks. But I'd watch him tithe every two weeks. He sat down, had a little desk in weeks. He sat down, had a little desk in weeks. He sat down, had a little desk in the living room. He'd sit down. He'd the living room. He'd sit down. He'd the living room. He'd sit down. He'd write the tide check out. I saw that. write the tide check out. I saw that. write the tide check out. I saw that. One thing, I've shared this story One thing, I've shared this story One thing, I've shared this story before, and I know some of you, you've before, and I know some of you, you've before, and I know some of you, you've been here, if you've been here as long been here, if you've been here as long been here, if you've been here as long as I have, and some of you have been as I have, and some of you have been as I have, and some of you have been here with me the whole 20 years. You here with me the whole 20 years. You here with me the whole 20 years. You know about everything in my life. So, know about everything in my life. So, know about everything in my life. So, I've shared it before once before. I'm I've shared it before once before. I'm I've shared it before once before. I'm going to share it again. So, I had a going to share it again. So, I had a going to share it again. So, I had a friend. I was not saved. Uh my friend friend. I was not saved. Uh my friend friend. I was not saved. Uh my friend was not saved. Uh we were out one night was not saved. Uh we were out one night was not saved. Uh we were out one night and my friend to use these words became and my friend to use these words became and my friend to use these words became incapacitated. Okay, did y'all with me? incapacitated. Okay, did y'all with me? incapacitated. Okay, did y'all with me? >> He was incapacitated. He couldn't drive. >> He was incapacitated. He couldn't drive. >> He was incapacitated. He couldn't drive. And so I said, I tell you what I'm going And so I said, I tell you what I'm going And so I said, I tell you what I'm going to do, Ricky. I said, Ricky, I'm going to do, Ricky. I said, Ricky, I'm going to do, Ricky. I said, Ricky, I'm going to take you home with me. I said, you to take you home with me. I said, you to take you home with me. I said, you going to spend night with me. You going going to spend night with me. You going going to spend night with me. You going to sleep in the floor cuz you're not to sleep in the floor cuz you're not to sleep in the floor cuz you're not sleeping in the bed with me. I know sleeping in the bed with me. I know sleeping in the bed with me. I know we're friends, but that's not happening. we're friends, but that's not happening. we're friends, but that's not happening. Okay, so you're going to sleep in the Okay, so you're going to sleep in the Okay, so you're going to sleep in the floor. He's like, okay. And uh I thought floor. He's like, okay. And uh I thought floor. He's like, okay. And uh I thought it's midnight and uh we get home and uh it's midnight and uh we get home and uh it's midnight and uh we get home and uh we just had a a covering outside, not an we just had a a covering outside, not an we just had a a covering outside, not an enclosed garage, just had a metal roof enclosed garage, just had a metal roof enclosed garage, just had a metal roof over it. I pull up here and I noticed over it. I pull up here and I noticed over it. I pull up here and I noticed the light was on in the living room the light was on in the living room the light was on in the living room and I thought, "My daddy is still up."

and I thought, "My daddy is still up." and I thought, "My daddy is still up." So I had Ricky with me. Ricky gets out. So I had Ricky with me. Ricky gets out. So I had Ricky with me. Ricky gets out. We walk up and I said, "No, Ricky, you We walk up and I said, "No, Ricky, you We walk up and I said, "No, Ricky, you need to be quiet because he's going to need to be quiet because he's going to need to be quiet because he's going to kill you first, then he's going to get kill you first, then he's going to get kill you first, then he's going to get me." Okay. So I said, uh, we walk up me." Okay. So I said, uh, we walk up me." Okay. So I said, uh, we walk up there and, uh, I remember it plain as there and, uh, I remember it plain as there and, uh, I remember it plain as day. Ricky looks through the window. We day. Ricky looks through the window. We day. Ricky looks through the window. We had, you know, it's one of those like a had, you know, it's one of those like a had, you know, it's one of those like a lot of houses like, you know, you you lot of houses like, you know, you you lot of houses like, you know, you you build a house and then maybe you enlarge build a house and then maybe you enlarge build a house and then maybe you enlarge it. And so the living room had these big it. And so the living room had these big it. And so the living room had these big picture glass windows. I remember Ricky picture glass windows. I remember Ricky picture glass windows. I remember Ricky looks through the windows under that looks through the windows under that looks through the windows under that covered carport. He looked through and covered carport. He looked through and covered carport. He looked through and he said, "OH NO." he said, "OH NO." he said, "OH NO." You know, when you're in that condition, You know, when you're in that condition, You know, when you're in that condition, you speak louder than you think you're you speak louder than you think you're you speak louder than you think you're speaking. He said, "Your daddy IS speaking. He said, "Your daddy IS speaking. He said, "Your daddy IS READING THE BIBLE." OH, HE STARTED READING THE BIBLE." OH, HE STARTED READING THE BIBLE." OH, HE STARTED CRYING. I told Rick, I said, "We are CRYING. I told Rick, I said, "We are CRYING. I told Rick, I said, "We are going to die. This is what's going to going to die. This is what's going to going to die. This is what's going to happen." Now, I share that with you. And happen." Now, I share that with you. And happen." Now, I share that with you. And it was not because my daddy was waiting it was not because my daddy was waiting it was not because my daddy was waiting up on us. It was not that. My daddy was up on us. It was not that. My daddy was up on us. It was not that. My daddy was reading his Bible at midnight, reading his Bible at midnight, reading his Bible at midnight, you know, and my daddy's like a night you know, and my daddy's like a night you know, and my daddy's like a night owl person, too. He's reading his Bible owl person, too. He's reading his Bible owl person, too. He's reading his Bible midnight. I can say, you know, my my dad midnight. I can say, you know, my my dad midnight. I can say, you know, my my dad was a was a Christ centered dad. Okay?

was a was a Christ centered dad. Okay? was a was a Christ centered dad. Okay? Now, he I would admit he didn't do Now, he I would admit he didn't do Now, he I would admit he didn't do everything perfect. He was not perfect. everything perfect. He was not perfect. everything perfect. He was not perfect. He made mistakes. He he come my daddy He made mistakes. He he come my daddy He made mistakes. He he come my daddy used to tell me before he got saved him used to tell me before he got saved him used to tell me before he got saved him and my mama would be out dancing and and my mama would be out dancing and and my mama would be out dancing and party and a fight break out and him and party and a fight break out and him and party and a fight break out and him and my mama would get up under the bar my mama would get up under the bar my mama would get up under the bar table. Now when you're a 10-year-old boy table. Now when you're a 10-year-old boy table. Now when you're a 10-year-old boy and you never known that part of your and you never known that part of your and you never known that part of your daddy and he starts telling you about daddy and he starts telling you about daddy and he starts telling you about him and your mama, you're thinking my him and your mama, you're thinking my him and your mama, you're thinking my mama wasn't out dancing. mama wasn't out dancing. mama wasn't out dancing. My mama was. Y'all don't think that's My mama was. Y'all don't think that's My mama was. Y'all don't think that's funny, do you? You know what? God got a funny, do you? You know what? God got a funny, do you? You know what? God got a hold of him. changed his life. Changed hold of him. changed his life. Changed hold of him. changed his life. Changed her life. Not perfect by any mean, but I her life. Not perfect by any mean, but I her life. Not perfect by any mean, but I remember him being at my house probably remember him being at my house probably remember him being at my house probably a year ago and he said, "God's been good a year ago and he said, "God's been good a year ago and he said, "God's been good to me." I said, "Daddy, he has." He to me." I said, "Daddy, he has." He to me." I said, "Daddy, he has." He said, "God's been good to me." He said, said, "God's been good to me." He said, said, "God's been good to me." He said, "I'm ready to go." Now, I'll say that "I'm ready to go." Now, I'll say that "I'm ready to go." Now, I'll say that because because because you there's a lot of things you can you there's a lot of things you can you there's a lot of things you can there's a lot of good things you can there's a lot of good things you can there's a lot of good things you can pass on to your children. There is. It pass on to your children. There is. It pass on to your children. There is. It may be uh it may be possessions or land may be uh it may be possessions or land may be uh it may be possessions or land and what you going to do? You're going and what you going to do? You're going and what you going to do? You're going to go be with Jesus and they going to to go be with Jesus and they going to to go be with Jesus and they going to sell everything. That's what's going to sell everything. That's what's going to sell everything. That's what's going to happen. So y'all not very engaging, are happen. So y'all not very engaging, are happen. So y'all not very engaging, are you? You don't think that's funny you? You don't think that's funny you? You don't think that's funny either? Just it's just fact to lie. But either? Just it's just fact to lie. But either? Just it's just fact to lie. But seriously, the greatest thing you can seriously, the greatest thing you can seriously, the greatest thing you can leave them is a godly legacy. It doesn't leave them is a godly legacy. It doesn't leave them is a godly legacy. It doesn't mean you've done everything perfect. It mean you've done everything perfect. It mean you've done everything perfect. It doesn't mean you've never made mistakes, doesn't mean you've never made mistakes, doesn't mean you've never made mistakes, but it means that Christ is the center but it means that Christ is the center but it means that Christ is the center of your life. You know, and I I saw that of your life. You know, and I I saw that of your life. You know, and I I saw that in my dad. And so this is what we see

in my dad. And so this is what we see in my dad. And so this is what we see here. And the question we got to ask, here. And the question we got to ask, here. And the question we got to ask, and this is a passage goes across the and this is a passage goes across the and this is a passage goes across the board for everybody, but specifically board for everybody, but specifically board for everybody, but specifically for men, are we living a Christ centered for men, are we living a Christ centered for men, are we living a Christ centered life as men? There are a lot of good life as men? There are a lot of good life as men? There are a lot of good things we're involved in, but are we things we're involved in, but are we things we're involved in, but are we living that Christ centered life? Hey, living that Christ centered life? Hey, living that Christ centered life? Hey, would you stand with me for the public would you stand with me for the public would you stand with me for the public reading of scripture? Just a few verses. reading of scripture? Just a few verses. reading of scripture? Just a few verses. We'll go through this very quickly this We'll go through this very quickly this We'll go through this very quickly this morning. morning. morning. Verse 18 says this, "What then?" Again, Verse 18 says this, "What then?" Again, Verse 18 says this, "What then?" Again, re we're going to reiterate what we re we're going to reiterate what we re we're going to reiterate what we talked about last week. What then? Only talked about last week. What then? Only talked about last week. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense that in every way, whether in pretense that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice. For I know that this will turn rejoice. For I know that this will turn rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for the deliverance through your out for the deliverance through your out for the deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the spirit prayers and the provision of the spirit prayers and the provision of the spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation, hope that I will not be put expectation, hope that I will not be put expectation, hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all to shame in anything, but that with all to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as boldness, Christ will even now, as boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether always, be exalted in my body, whether always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Now, this is one of by life or by death. Now, this is one of by life or by death. Now, this is one of the great passages in the New Testament. the great passages in the New Testament. the great passages in the New Testament. Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ Verse 21, for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Father, as we pray and to die is gain. Father, as we pray and to die is gain. Father, as we pray this morning, uh Lord Jesus, just thank this morning, uh Lord Jesus, just thank this morning, uh Lord Jesus, just thank thank for life and breath. I I pray we thank for life and breath. I I pray we thank for life and breath. I I pray we never take that for granted. You sustain never take that for granted. You sustain never take that for granted. You sustain us. Every cell in our body, we're we're us. Every cell in our body, we're we're us. Every cell in our body, we're we're here today because of you. And so we're here today because of you. And so we're here today because of you. And so we're grateful. Uh Lord, teach us disciple grateful. Uh Lord, teach us disciple grateful. Uh Lord, teach us disciple day. Specifically for the men, Lord, day. Specifically for the men, Lord, day. Specifically for the men, Lord, here. There may be some guys here that, here. There may be some guys here that, here. There may be some guys here that, you know, we can't get a redo. We can't you know, we can't get a redo. We can't you know, we can't get a redo. We can't go back and do things differently, but go back and do things differently, but go back and do things differently, but we can go forward. I know there's some we can go forward. I know there's some we can go forward. I know there's some younger men here that that Lord maybe uh younger men here that that Lord maybe uh younger men here that that Lord maybe uh one day are hoping to to be that dad, be one day are hoping to to be that dad, be one day are hoping to to be that dad, be that father, but just men in general, that father, but just men in general, that father, but just men in general, Lord, that we would desire to be a Lord, that we would desire to be a Lord, that we would desire to be a Christ-c centered man and what that

Christ-c centered man and what that Christ-c centered man and what that looks like, what that means, and how we looks like, what that means, and how we looks like, what that means, and how we see that in this passage of scripture. see that in this passage of scripture. see that in this passage of scripture. So, teach us that. But Lord, also the So, teach us that. But Lord, also the So, teach us that. But Lord, also the most important thing today is that for most important thing today is that for most important thing today is that for someone here, someone engaging with us someone here, someone engaging with us someone here, someone engaging with us does not have that relationship with does not have that relationship with does not have that relationship with you, oh Lord Jesus, I pray that you save you, oh Lord Jesus, I pray that you save you, oh Lord Jesus, I pray that you save them today in the next few minutes we them today in the next few minutes we them today in the next few minutes we have, Holy Spirit, breakthrough hearts, have, Holy Spirit, breakthrough hearts, have, Holy Spirit, breakthrough hearts, uh hardness of heart, whatever it may uh hardness of heart, whatever it may uh hardness of heart, whatever it may be. and and just call them to yourself, be. and and just call them to yourself, be. and and just call them to yourself, Lord, today. I pray that takes place. Lord, today. I pray that takes place. Lord, today. I pray that takes place. It's in your name we pray. The name of It's in your name we pray. The name of It's in your name we pray. The name of Jesus and all God's people said, "Amen." Jesus and all God's people said, "Amen." Jesus and all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. So, being a uh Christ centered Amen. So, being a uh Christ centered Amen. So, being a uh Christ centered man. So, this is not one, it's not a man. So, this is not one, it's not a man. So, this is not one, it's not a sermon or message where it's like, "Hey, sermon or message where it's like, "Hey, sermon or message where it's like, "Hey, do these five things, you know, do these five things, you know, do these five things, you know, everything's going to be great, lovely, everything's going to be great, lovely, everything's going to be great, lovely, perfect." It's just very basic. It's perfect." It's just very basic. It's perfect." It's just very basic. It's very simple. Okay? Uh really three very simple. Okay? Uh really three very simple. Okay? Uh really three specific points. Being that Christ-C specific points. Being that Christ-C specific points. Being that Christ-C centered man, number one, a Christ-c centered man, number one, a Christ-c centered man, number one, a Christ-c centered man rejoices in the gospel. He centered man rejoices in the gospel. He centered man rejoices in the gospel. He rejoices in the gospel. Now, here's some rejoices in the gospel. Now, here's some rejoices in the gospel. Now, here's some problems that we have as men. Number problems that we have as men. Number problems that we have as men. Number one, we fear appearing uh of being weak. one, we fear appearing uh of being weak. one, we fear appearing uh of being weak. Okay, that's one thing we fear that we Okay, that's one thing we fear that we Okay, that's one thing we fear that we uh we want to be recognized. That's uh we want to be recognized. That's uh we want to be recognized. That's another thing that we desire in our another thing that we desire in our another thing that we desire in our life. We are prone to be prideful.

life. We are prone to be prideful. life. We are prone to be prideful. That's one thing about So, what what we That's one thing about So, what what we That's one thing about So, what what we see in this passage that Paul does right see in this passage that Paul does right see in this passage that Paul does right in the very beginning that Paul in the very beginning that Paul in the very beginning that Paul prioritizes and really prefers Christ's prioritizes and really prefers Christ's prioritizes and really prefers Christ's reputation over his own. Let me say it reputation over his own. Let me say it reputation over his own. Let me say it one more time. What Paul does, he one more time. What Paul does, he one more time. What Paul does, he prioritizes and prefers Christ's prioritizes and prefers Christ's prioritizes and prefers Christ's reputation over his own. Now, I want you reputation over his own. Now, I want you reputation over his own. Now, I want you to think about this. Paul is the to think about this. Paul is the to think about this. Paul is the theologian that we see here, but at one theologian that we see here, but at one theologian that we see here, but at one point he was not born again. We take point he was not born again. We take point he was not born again. We take Paul a lot of times and we elevate him Paul a lot of times and we elevate him Paul a lot of times and we elevate him up to a certain place like he's like up to a certain place like he's like up to a certain place like he's like Superman. Anyway, Paul was just a man. Superman. Anyway, Paul was just a man. Superman. Anyway, Paul was just a man. Okay, Paul was a man who had all the Okay, Paul was a man who had all the Okay, Paul was a man who had all the pedigrees. Okay, he was the tribe of pedigrees. Okay, he was the tribe of pedigrees. Okay, he was the tribe of Benjamin. He was a Pharisee. He was Benjamin. He was a Pharisee. He was Benjamin. He was a Pharisee. He was bilingual, which mean he spoke uh bilingual, which mean he spoke uh bilingual, which mean he spoke uh different languages. He was uh now some different languages. He was uh now some different languages. He was uh now some of the younger people may not understand of the younger people may not understand of the younger people may not understand this, older folks will uh like myself, this, older folks will uh like myself, this, older folks will uh like myself, but he was the golden child of that age but he was the golden child of that age but he was the golden child of that age coming up trained under the greatest coming up trained under the greatest coming up trained under the greatest rabbi of the day was prone. He was rabbi of the day was prone. He was rabbi of the day was prone. He was climbing the ladder of success of being climbing the ladder of success of being climbing the ladder of success of being that Pharisee and he's on that road to that Pharisee and he's on that road to that Pharisee and he's on that road to Damascus to throw believers into prison Damascus to throw believers into prison Damascus to throw believers into prison and into jail. And he meets the Lord and into jail. And he meets the Lord and into jail. And he meets the Lord Jesus Christ, the risen Christ on the Jesus Christ, the risen Christ on the Jesus Christ, the risen Christ on the road. The shakina glory of God falls out road. The shakina glory of God falls out road. The shakina glory of God falls out upon him, blinds him, puts him on his upon him, blinds him, puts him on his upon him, blinds him, puts him on his face, and Paul knows it is God. He says, face, and Paul knows it is God. He says, face, and Paul knows it is God. He says, "Who are you, Lord?" Okay, who are you, "Who are you, Lord?" Okay, who are you, "Who are you, Lord?" Okay, who are you, Lord? And Jesus said, "I am Jesus Christ Lord? And Jesus said, "I am Jesus Christ Lord? And Jesus said, "I am Jesus Christ whom you're persecuting." Now, you got whom you're persecuting." Now, you got whom you're persecuting." Now, you got to realize that just blew Paul's mind to realize that just blew Paul's mind to realize that just blew Paul's mind right there. Now, so basically in all right there. Now, so basically in all right there. Now, so basically in all that, he repents. He puts his faith and that, he repents. He puts his faith and that, he repents. He puts his faith and trust uh in the Lord Jesus Christ, trust uh in the Lord Jesus Christ, trust uh in the Lord Jesus Christ, becomes the theologian uh of the day, becomes the theologian uh of the day, becomes the theologian uh of the day, and now he has found himself in prison

and now he has found himself in prison and now he has found himself in prison for preaching the gospel. Okay? the for preaching the gospel. Okay? the for preaching the gospel. Okay? the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ chained gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ chained gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ chained to a Roman guard. Now, and two, as we to a Roman guard. Now, and two, as we to a Roman guard. Now, and two, as we covered last week, there were those out covered last week, there were those out covered last week, there were those out there preaching the gospel. He said, there preaching the gospel. He said, there preaching the gospel. He said, "Some doing it got a love. They have a "Some doing it got a love. They have a "Some doing it got a love. They have a love for the gospel, the good news of love for the gospel, the good news of love for the gospel, the good news of Christ. They have a love uh for people Christ. They have a love uh for people Christ. They have a love uh for people to come to know the saving knowledge of to come to know the saving knowledge of to come to know the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." Uh they uh know the Lord Jesus Christ." Uh they uh know the Lord Jesus Christ." Uh they uh know that uh Jesus has been raised from the that uh Jesus has been raised from the that uh Jesus has been raised from the dead. He's the only way to have dead. He's the only way to have dead. He's the only way to have salvation. So they are preaching a truth salvation. So they are preaching a truth salvation. So they are preaching a truth and and again they have great boldness and and again they have great boldness and and again they have great boldness because can you imagine like I'm because can you imagine like I'm because can you imagine like I'm preaching the gospel that got Paul preaching the gospel that got Paul preaching the gospel that got Paul thrown in jail and so what if the same thrown in jail and so what if the same thrown in jail and so what if the same thing happens to me that happened to thing happens to me that happened to thing happens to me that happened to him. So Paul says there are some doing him. So Paul says there are some doing him. So Paul says there are some doing it out of love. But then he says there's it out of love. But then he says there's it out of love. But then he says there's some doing it out of strife and ambition some doing it out of strife and ambition some doing it out of strife and ambition and jealousy and deceit all these and jealousy and deceit all these and jealousy and deceit all these things. Some were doing it for money. things. Some were doing it for money. things. Some were doing it for money. They were preaching the gospel for the They were preaching the gospel for the They were preaching the gospel for the point of trying to make Paul look bad. point of trying to make Paul look bad. point of trying to make Paul look bad. They were defaming him uh out there They were defaming him uh out there They were defaming him uh out there while they were preaching the gospel. while they were preaching the gospel. while they were preaching the gospel. There was a leadership vacuum. Maybe There was a leadership vacuum. Maybe There was a leadership vacuum. Maybe they were trying to be the guy or they were trying to be the guy or they were trying to be the guy or whatever or trying to make money. But he whatever or trying to make money. But he whatever or trying to make money. But he says strife, selfish ambition, deceit, says strife, selfish ambition, deceit, says strife, selfish ambition, deceit, all the wrong motives. And Paul says, all the wrong motives. And Paul says, all the wrong motives. And Paul says, "Don't worry about me and don't worry "Don't worry about me and don't worry "Don't worry about me and don't worry what they're saying about me. At least what they're saying about me. At least what they're saying about me. At least Christ is being preached out there."

Christ is being preached out there." Christ is being preached out there." Most men, we are prone to be prideful. Most men, we are prone to be prideful. Most men, we are prone to be prideful. We do not like appearing weak. We fear We do not like appearing weak. We fear We do not like appearing weak. We fear that. We a lot of times get our identity that. We a lot of times get our identity that. We a lot of times get our identity from our performance. If the performance from our performance. If the performance from our performance. If the performance is not going good, we don't feel good is not going good, we don't feel good is not going good, we don't feel good about ourselves. But Paul again for about ourselves. But Paul again for about ourselves. But Paul again for guys, the way that we be that Christ guys, the way that we be that Christ guys, the way that we be that Christ center man is that we rejoice in the center man is that we rejoice in the center man is that we rejoice in the gospel. We rejoice in the gospel going gospel. We rejoice in the gospel going gospel. We rejoice in the gospel going forth. Because when you rejoice in forth. Because when you rejoice in forth. Because when you rejoice in gospel, you really don't care. Well, I gospel, you really don't care. Well, I gospel, you really don't care. Well, I say you don't care. You really don't. It say you don't care. You really don't. It say you don't care. You really don't. It doesn't keep you up not at night so much doesn't keep you up not at night so much doesn't keep you up not at night so much of what about what people think about of what about what people think about of what about what people think about you in this. You know what? I can get you in this. You know what? I can get you in this. You know what? I can get emails sent to me on a Monday morning emails sent to me on a Monday morning emails sent to me on a Monday morning and people will light me up on that and people will light me up on that and people will light me up on that email uh because of something that they email uh because of something that they email uh because of something that they just didn't like. And I learned a long just didn't like. And I learned a long just didn't like. And I learned a long time ago that the gospel is not time ago that the gospel is not time ago that the gospel is not palatable. When you're calling for men palatable. When you're calling for men palatable. When you're calling for men and women and girls and boys to admit and women and girls and boys to admit and women and girls and boys to admit they are sinners and to repent of sin, they are sinners and to repent of sin, they are sinners and to repent of sin, guess what? I am repeating the message guess what? I am repeating the message guess what? I am repeating the message given in scripture. I didn't come up given in scripture. I didn't come up given in scripture. I didn't come up with anything new. I didn't write with anything new. I didn't write with anything new. I didn't write anything new. It's not original of me.

anything new. It's not original of me. anything new. It's not original of me. It comes from God. It is not palatable It comes from God. It is not palatable It comes from God. It is not palatable with everybody. And there are folks who with everybody. And there are folks who with everybody. And there are folks who will say stuff like, "Well, I don't will say stuff like, "Well, I don't will say stuff like, "Well, I don't you're just from Prairie County. You you're just from Prairie County. You you're just from Prairie County. You don't know anything. You know, you have don't know anything. You know, you have don't know anything. You know, you have bad grammar and all that, you know, and bad grammar and all that, you know, and bad grammar and all that, you know, and all stuff." Here's the deal. What you do all stuff." Here's the deal. What you do all stuff." Here's the deal. What you do is you got to be concerned more about is you got to be concerned more about is you got to be concerned more about Christ's reputation than your own. And Christ's reputation than your own. And Christ's reputation than your own. And so what Paul's doing, he's prioritizing so what Paul's doing, he's prioritizing so what Paul's doing, he's prioritizing Christ. Again, is a very unique passage Christ. Again, is a very unique passage Christ. Again, is a very unique passage of scripture. He says, "I don't care." of scripture. He says, "I don't care." of scripture. He says, "I don't care." Most of us as men, we do not like that. Most of us as men, we do not like that. Most of us as men, we do not like that. That's part of being a Christ centered That's part of being a Christ centered That's part of being a Christ centered man. It's real simple and you can kind man. It's real simple and you can kind man. It's real simple and you can kind of just keep on narrowing it down, but of just keep on narrowing it down, but of just keep on narrowing it down, but it's about Christ being first in your it's about Christ being first in your it's about Christ being first in your life and all things. But also what Paul life and all things. But also what Paul life and all things. But also what Paul does here that we see in this passage of does here that we see in this passage of does here that we see in this passage of scripture, not only is he, you know, scripture, not only is he, you know, scripture, not only is he, you know, he's rejoicing in the gospel, he's rejoicing in the gospel, he's rejoicing in the gospel, prioritizing Christ's reputation uh over prioritizing Christ's reputation uh over prioritizing Christ's reputation uh over his own, but he is celebrating that his own, but he is celebrating that his own, but he is celebrating that gospel success. He says, you know what, gospel success. He says, you know what, gospel success. He says, you know what, regardless, the gospel is going forth in regardless, the gospel is going forth in regardless, the gospel is going forth in that. So again, it's about the gospel. that. So again, it's about the gospel. that. So again, it's about the gospel. The Christ center man is about the The Christ center man is about the The Christ center man is about the gospel, okay? about the reputation of gospel, okay? about the reputation of gospel, okay? about the reputation of Christ, the exaltation of Christ over Christ, the exaltation of Christ over Christ, the exaltation of Christ over his own, the gospel going forth forth his own, the gospel going forth forth his own, the gospel going forth forth about kingdom advancement. That's what about kingdom advancement. That's what about kingdom advancement. That's what Paul was about. He was about that Paul was about. He was about that Paul was about. He was about that kingdom advance. That's what it means to kingdom advance. That's what it means to kingdom advance. That's what it means to be that Christ centered man. Now, can be that Christ centered man. Now, can be that Christ centered man. Now, can the ladies take us? So, was it's about the ladies take us? So, was it's about the ladies take us? So, was it's about the same thing to be the Christ centered the same thing to be the Christ centered the same thing to be the Christ centered woman. Yes, but it's Father's Day. Okay?

woman. Yes, but it's Father's Day. Okay? woman. Yes, but it's Father's Day. Okay? So, we're specifically speaking uh to So, we're specifically speaking uh to So, we're specifically speaking uh to men uh today. And so, again, it's about men uh today. And so, again, it's about men uh today. And so, again, it's about kingdom advancing. Now my question to kingdom advancing. Now my question to kingdom advancing. Now my question to you is your life being that Christc you is your life being that Christc you is your life being that Christc centered individual is it about the centered individual is it about the centered individual is it about the kingdom advancement the success uh of kingdom advancement the success uh of kingdom advancement the success uh of the gospel the reputation of Christ over the gospel the reputation of Christ over the gospel the reputation of Christ over uh your own that's what it means to be uh your own that's what it means to be uh your own that's what it means to be that Christc centered person but here's that Christc centered person but here's that Christc centered person but here's the second part the second part of being the second part the second part of being the second part the second part of being that Christc centered man is that he's that Christc centered man is that he's that Christc centered man is that he's dependent upon the power of God dependent upon the power of God dependent upon the power of God dependent upon the power of God now get dependent upon the power of God now get dependent upon the power of God now get this again so Paul you get down about this again so Paul you get down about this again so Paul you get down about verse 19 he says I know that this will verse 19 he says I know that this will verse 19 he says I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your turn out for my deliverance through your turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the spirit prayers and the provision of the spirit prayers and the provision of the spirit of Christ. And he said, "Now, as always, of Christ. And he said, "Now, as always, of Christ. And he said, "Now, as always, that Christ will be exalted in my body." that Christ will be exalted in my body." that Christ will be exalted in my body." There are three very specific statements There are three very specific statements There are three very specific statements he makes. He talks about prayer. He he makes. He talks about prayer. He he makes. He talks about prayer. He talks about the spirit of God and the talks about the spirit of God and the talks about the spirit of God and the exaltation of Christ. He's dependent exaltation of Christ. He's dependent exaltation of Christ. He's dependent upon the power of God. And let me go upon the power of God. And let me go upon the power of God. And let me go back. Men, a lot of times we fear uh back. Men, a lot of times we fear uh back. Men, a lot of times we fear uh appearing as being weak. We find our appearing as being weak. We find our appearing as being weak. We find our identity uh in performance. We want to identity uh in performance. We want to identity uh in performance. We want to be recognized and all things. And so we be recognized and all things. And so we be recognized and all things. And so we we think we are since we're prone to we think we are since we're prone to we think we are since we're prone to pridefulness, we think we can solve pridefulness, we think we can solve pridefulness, we think we can solve stuff on our own.

stuff on our own. stuff on our own. Now, when I say that, Paul, the Now, when I say that, Paul, the Now, when I say that, Paul, the theologian of the day, uh the church theologian of the day, uh the church theologian of the day, uh the church planner, the preacher, you know, all of planner, the preacher, you know, all of planner, the preacher, you know, all of this, he he says, "I know that through this, he he says, "I know that through this, he he says, "I know that through your prayers that this is going to turn your prayers that this is going to turn your prayers that this is going to turn out." Paul would pray for the churches out." Paul would pray for the churches out." Paul would pray for the churches that he had helped start and plant and that he had helped start and plant and that he had helped start and plant and the ones he was a part of and all that, the ones he was a part of and all that, the ones he was a part of and all that, but he's also asking them to pray for but he's also asking them to pray for but he's also asking them to pray for him. Now, men, don't shout this out and him. Now, men, don't shout this out and him. Now, men, don't shout this out and don't answer this. But as a man, who is don't answer this. But as a man, who is don't answer this. But as a man, who is praying for you praying for you praying for you because see, we are prone to be because see, we are prone to be because see, we are prone to be prideful. We are prone, you know, you prideful. We are prone, you know, you prideful. We are prone, you know, you get a group of men like, "How you get a group of men like, "How you get a group of men like, "How you doing?" "Oh, I'm just fine." Well, no, doing?" "Oh, I'm just fine." Well, no, doing?" "Oh, I'm just fine." Well, no, you're not. You're all lying. Okay. So, you're not. You're all lying. Okay. So, you're not. You're all lying. Okay. So, you know, when people say, "I'm just you know, when people say, "I'm just you know, when people say, "I'm just fine." You really guys, we don't men do fine." You really guys, we don't men do fine." You really guys, we don't men do not we we got a thing around us. We not we we got a thing around us. We not we we got a thing around us. We don't like letting people into our don't like letting people into our don't like letting people into our circle. Number one, sometimes we don't circle. Number one, sometimes we don't circle. Number one, sometimes we don't trust people. There have been folks that trust people. There have been folks that trust people. There have been folks that stabbed us in the back to say. And so we stabbed us in the back to say. And so we stabbed us in the back to say. And so we have this exterior around us because for have this exterior around us because for have this exterior around us because for a lot of us as guys, it's about image.

a lot of us as guys, it's about image. a lot of us as guys, it's about image. It's about perspective. It's about how It's about perspective. It's about how It's about perspective. It's about how we appear. And so we think I'm just we appear. And so we think I'm just we appear. And so we think I'm just going to go through this. A lot of times going to go through this. A lot of times going to go through this. A lot of times it's how we've been brought up. It's it's how we've been brought up. It's it's how we've been brought up. It's what how we were in a cycle of if you what how we were in a cycle of if you what how we were in a cycle of if you were able to grow up and you had both were able to grow up and you had both were able to grow up and you had both parents in the home or not. There's a parents in the home or not. There's a parents in the home or not. There's a lot of stuff involved in that. And so lot of stuff involved in that. And so lot of stuff involved in that. And so we're so prone to pridefulness that we we're so prone to pridefulness that we we're so prone to pridefulness that we won't let people in our circle. And I won't let people in our circle. And I won't let people in our circle. And I just want to I want to help you just want to I want to help you just want to I want to help you encourage you this as far as men in encourage you this as far as men in encourage you this as far as men in this. You are missing out on the power this. You are missing out on the power this. You are missing out on the power of prayer. if you don't get real and let of prayer. if you don't get real and let of prayer. if you don't get real and let other people know what's going on in other people know what's going on in other people know what's going on in your life in this. And I know there are your life in this. And I know there are your life in this. And I know there are those who may stab you and there are those who may stab you and there are those who may stab you and there are those who may use that, but there also those who may use that, but there also those who may use that, but there also those who are going to pray. Let me give those who are going to pray. Let me give those who are going to pray. Let me give you an example. So, uh um cows eat you an example. So, uh um cows eat you an example. So, uh um cows eat grass. grass. grass. Y'all know that. Y'all know that. Y'all know that. Okay. So, cows eat grass. Sheep will eat Okay. So, cows eat grass. Sheep will eat Okay. So, cows eat grass. Sheep will eat some broad leaves other than grass. And some broad leaves other than grass. And some broad leaves other than grass. And goats will clean everything up as high goats will clean everything up as high goats will clean everything up as high as their head. That's free. Y'all don't as their head. That's free. Y'all don't as their head. That's free. Y'all don't think that's good either, right? Okay.

think that's good either, right? Okay. think that's good either, right? Okay. Come back to the cows then. Cows eat Come back to the cows then. Cows eat Come back to the cows then. Cows eat hay. So, it's a time of year when you hay. So, it's a time of year when you hay. So, it's a time of year when you got to if you want to feed Pokey the got to if you want to feed Pokey the got to if you want to feed Pokey the cow, you got to have hay. And so, uh I cow, you got to have hay. And so, uh I cow, you got to have hay. And so, uh I don't know if you've been watching the don't know if you've been watching the don't know if you've been watching the weather and stuff. And uh so, it's just weather and stuff. And uh so, it's just weather and stuff. And uh so, it's just been crazy. Weather's crazy like it was been crazy. Weather's crazy like it was been crazy. Weather's crazy like it was last year. Here's rain. There's last year. Here's rain. There's last year. Here's rain. There's humidity. Rain and humidity. You know, humidity. Rain and humidity. You know, humidity. Rain and humidity. You know, hay is not the stuff you go out there hay is not the stuff you go out there hay is not the stuff you go out there and cut it and then bail it the same and cut it and then bail it the same and cut it and then bail it the same day. It's a process. It's got to cure. day. It's a process. It's got to cure. day. It's a process. It's got to cure. It takes about 3 days to do this thing. It takes about 3 days to do this thing. It takes about 3 days to do this thing. You got to about have three days of You got to about have three days of You got to about have three days of weather in this stuff. And uh I'm weather in this stuff. And uh I'm weather in this stuff. And uh I'm looking at the weather and I'm thinking, looking at the weather and I'm thinking, looking at the weather and I'm thinking, "Okay, Pokey's got to eat." I told "Okay, Pokey's got to eat." I told "Okay, Pokey's got to eat." I told Angie, I said, "We got to we got to cut Angie, I said, "We got to we got to cut Angie, I said, "We got to we got to cut this." Hey, well, you know how it is this." Hey, well, you know how it is this." Hey, well, you know how it is this time of year. You look at the this time of year. You look at the this time of year. You look at the forecast and so you're looking at I can forecast and so you're looking at I can forecast and so you're looking at I can cut this. I think we may miss this. And cut this. I think we may miss this. And cut this. I think we may miss this. And then, you know, it's supposed to sun's then, you know, it's supposed to sun's then, you know, it's supposed to sun's supposed to shine, all this, whatever. supposed to shine, all this, whatever. supposed to shine, all this, whatever. Well, then everything changes. So, I Well, then everything changes. So, I Well, then everything changes. So, I told Angie, I said, "We're we're in a told Angie, I said, "We're we're in a told Angie, I said, "We're we're in a predicament here. We need some help." predicament here. We need some help." predicament here. We need some help." She said, "Well, I'm gonna get the group She said, "Well, I'm gonna get the group She said, "Well, I'm gonna get the group of ladies I'm a part of to pray." I of ladies I'm a part of to pray." I of ladies I'm a part of to pray." I said, "Really?" She said, "Yeah." I said, "Really?" She said, "Yeah." I said, "Really?" She said, "Yeah." I said, "Well, let's just get real said, "Well, let's just get real said, "Well, let's just get real specific specific specific if they're going to pray." I said, "We if they're going to pray." I said, "We if they're going to pray." I said, "We want sunshine. We want the humidity to want sunshine. We want the humidity to want sunshine. We want the humidity to drop. We don't want any rain." And I drop. We don't want any rain." And I drop. We don't want any rain." And I said, "Even though you're starting on said, "Even though you're starting on said, "Even though you're starting on Wednesday afternoon, could you ask them Wednesday afternoon, could you ask them Wednesday afternoon, could you ask them to pray this through Saturday evening?"

to pray this through Saturday evening?" to pray this through Saturday evening?" She said, "We're going to get on it." She said, "We're going to get on it." She said, "We're going to get on it." So, she called me. She said, "Have you So, she called me. She said, "Have you So, she called me. She said, "Have you been in my prayer group?" and ask them been in my prayer group?" and ask them been in my prayer group?" and ask them to pray. I said, "Good." She said, to pray. I said, "Good." She said, to pray. I said, "Good." She said, "Well, some of them their husbands farm. "Well, some of them their husbands farm. "Well, some of them their husbands farm. You don't want the rain, but their You don't want the rain, but their You don't want the rain, but their husbands want the rain." I said, "Oh, we husbands want the rain." I said, "Oh, we husbands want the rain." I said, "Oh, we have a predicament." have a predicament." have a predicament." And I'm thinking, "Well, what'd y'all And I'm thinking, "Well, what'd y'all And I'm thinking, "Well, what'd y'all decide?" They said, "Well, the lady said decide?" They said, "Well, the lady said decide?" They said, "Well, the lady said they're going to pray and they're going they're going to pray and they're going they're going to pray and they're going to pray it off of you and they're going to pray it off of you and they're going to pray it off of you and they're going to pray it on them." And I said, "If to pray it on them." And I said, "If to pray it on them." And I said, "If that had been a group of men, it took us that had been a group of men, it took us that had been a group of men, it took us 5 days to figure out what to do." 5 days to figure out what to do." 5 days to figure out what to do." Now, now you may think, you think, Now, now you may think, you think, Now, now you may think, you think, "Well, that ain't a big deal." Well, "Well, that ain't a big deal." Well, "Well, that ain't a big deal." Well, it's probably not a big deal to you. it's probably not a big deal to you. it's probably not a big deal to you. It's a big that's a big deal to me. It's It's a big that's a big deal to me. It's It's a big that's a big deal to me. It's a big deal. Okay? And you think, "Okay, a big deal. Okay? And you think, "Okay, a big deal. Okay? And you think, "Okay, here you are, the preacher central. here you are, the preacher central. here you are, the preacher central. You're supposed to have all these You're supposed to have all these You're supposed to have all these friends, all these men, you know, and friends, all these men, you know, and friends, all these men, you know, and you got a group of ladies and your you got a group of ladies and your you got a group of ladies and your wife's group that's praying that it wife's group that's praying that it wife's group that's praying that it won't rain in this particular part of won't rain in this particular part of won't rain in this particular part of the state of Arkansas when their the state of Arkansas when their the state of Arkansas when their husbands need rain." Exactly. Right. And husbands need rain." Exactly. Right. And husbands need rain." Exactly. Right. And guess what happened? It didn't rain.

driving in last night praising the Lord driving in last night praising the Lord Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Lord, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Lord, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Lord, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Friday evening, you're out there on the Friday evening, you're out there on the Friday evening, you're out there on the hay balor. It's lightning. It's hay balor. It's lightning. It's hay balor. It's lightning. It's thundering. There's stuff boiling around thundering. There's stuff boiling around thundering. There's stuff boiling around and I'm looking across that ridge and I and I'm looking across that ridge and I and I'm looking across that ridge and I said, I think it's raining on one of said, I think it's raining on one of said, I think it's raining on one of those farm girls over there right now. those farm girls over there right now. those farm girls over there right now. But it wasn't raining where we are. But it wasn't raining where we are. But it wasn't raining where we are. And wrapped it up and it's done. And And wrapped it up and it's done. And And wrapped it up and it's done. And it's our now you think big deal. We have it's our now you think big deal. We have it's our now you think big deal. We have not because we ask not. And men are not because we ask not. And men are not because we ask not. And men are prone to pridefulness. And we're prone prone to pridefulness. And we're prone prone to pridefulness. And we're prone to be able to do this on our own. And to be able to do this on our own. And to be able to do this on our own. And we're prone to think, you know, I don't we're prone to think, you know, I don't we're prone to think, you know, I don't want to look bad. I want to appear weak. want to look bad. I want to appear weak. want to look bad. I want to appear weak. And men, what happens is we miss out And men, what happens is we miss out And men, what happens is we miss out when we're not depending on the power of when we're not depending on the power of when we're not depending on the power of God. And Paul said, "I know this is God. And Paul said, "I know this is God. And Paul said, "I know this is going to work out through your prayers going to work out through your prayers going to work out through your prayers for me and what you're doing and the for me and what you're doing and the for me and what you're doing and the perseverance of that." But also, he perseverance of that." But also, he perseverance of that." But also, he mentions the spirit. He says, "And also mentions the spirit. He says, "And also mentions the spirit. He says, "And also the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ." the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ." the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ." You see, we got to depend on the spirit You see, we got to depend on the spirit You see, we got to depend on the spirit of God. The Bible tells us, "Don't be of God. The Bible tells us, "Don't be of God. The Bible tells us, "Don't be drunk and wine. Be continually filled drunk and wine. Be continually filled drunk and wine. Be continually filled with the spirit of God." It's an idea of with the spirit of God." It's an idea of with the spirit of God." It's an idea of a a daily uh activity of being yielded a a daily uh activity of being yielded a a daily uh activity of being yielded to the will of God uh in our lives. The to the will of God uh in our lives. The to the will of God uh in our lives. The spirit of God. In the first service, spirit of God. In the first service, spirit of God. In the first service, there was a a gentleman who came forward there was a a gentleman who came forward there was a a gentleman who came forward and uh in the first service afterward, and uh in the first service afterward, and uh in the first service afterward, and he said, "Hey, I just want you to and he said, "Hey, I just want you to and he said, "Hey, I just want you to pray for me." He said, "I just want you pray for me." He said, "I just want you pray for me." He said, "I just want you to pray for me." And he said, "There's to pray for me." And he said, "There's to pray for me." And he said, "There's some stuff going on in my life." And I I some stuff going on in my life." And I I some stuff going on in my life." And I I pray this all the time. Uh and he didn't pray this all the time. Uh and he didn't pray this all the time. Uh and he didn't go into great detail. I went into some, go into great detail. I went into some, go into great detail. I went into some, but I was praying for God to lean but I was praying for God to lean but I was praying for God to lean direct. But I pray this way because I direct. But I pray this way because I direct. But I pray this way because I learned it from a mentor, an older guy

learned it from a mentor, an older guy learned it from a mentor, an older guy who taught me this before I was ever a who taught me this before I was ever a who taught me this before I was ever a preacher. He would pray this over me. I preacher. He would pray this over me. I preacher. He would pray this over me. I always pray, "May the power of the Holy always pray, "May the power of the Holy always pray, "May the power of the Holy Spirit anoint you from the top of your Spirit anoint you from the top of your Spirit anoint you from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Fill you head to the soles of your feet. Fill you head to the soles of your feet. Fill you up till your cup runth over." I pray up till your cup runth over." I pray up till your cup runth over." I pray that all the time. That's depending on that all the time. That's depending on that all the time. That's depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, man, the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, man, the power of the Holy Spirit. Now, man, let me say this one more time. We're let me say this one more time. We're let me say this one more time. We're going to have an invitation here in a going to have an invitation here in a going to have an invitation here in a few minutes because you're hungry. It's few minutes because you're hungry. It's few minutes because you're hungry. It's Father's Day. I don't know what that Father's Day. I don't know what that Father's Day. I don't know what that means for all of us, but we're going to means for all of us, but we're going to means for all of us, but we're going to get to eat, I think, is what's going to get to eat, I think, is what's going to get to eat, I think, is what's going to happen. And so, we have invitation. happen. And so, we have invitation. happen. And so, we have invitation. There's some stuff going on in your There's some stuff going on in your There's some stuff going on in your life. We all got issues and problems. life. We all got issues and problems. life. We all got issues and problems. There's stuff going on in your life. And There's stuff going on in your life. And There's stuff going on in your life. And you need the power of prayer in your you need the power of prayer in your you need the power of prayer in your life. And we're going to have an life. And we're going to have an life. And we're going to have an opportunity in just a few minutes when I opportunity in just a few minutes when I opportunity in just a few minutes when I pray and we say amen that that maybe you pray and we say amen that that maybe you pray and we say amen that that maybe you or you got some friends or whatever or or you got some friends or whatever or or you got some friends or whatever or you just want a pastor to pray over you. you just want a pastor to pray over you. you just want a pastor to pray over you. You said, "Well, Archie, uh what if it's You said, "Well, Archie, uh what if it's You said, "Well, Archie, uh what if it's what if it's like the rain? What if it's what if it's like the rain? What if it's what if it's like the rain? What if it's like you need to that big, small, like you need to that big, small, like you need to that big, small, whatever it is, you're going to miss whatever it is, you're going to miss whatever it is, you're going to miss out." And see what happened. Here's what out." And see what happened. Here's what out." And see what happened. Here's what goes on in a service like this is that goes on in a service like this is that goes on in a service like this is that the Holy Spirit of God, we're depending the Holy Spirit of God, we're depending the Holy Spirit of God, we're depending on the power of the spirit. And the on the power of the spirit. And the on the power of the spirit. And the spirit of God sews a seed of truth into spirit of God sews a seed of truth into spirit of God sews a seed of truth into you. Okay? like you you sense this need you. Okay? like you you sense this need you. Okay? like you you sense this need to engage in that. you sense this need to engage in that. you sense this need to engage in that. you sense this need to go. You know what? He told the story to go. You know what? He told the story to go. You know what? He told the story which is kind of dumb, but it's relevant which is kind of dumb, but it's relevant which is kind of dumb, but it's relevant to his life that he lives. But this is to his life that he lives. But this is to his life that he lives. But this is what's going on my So what happens is what's going on my So what happens is what's going on my So what happens is the the Holy Spirit sews that seed of the the Holy Spirit sews that seed of the the Holy Spirit sews that seed of truth in your life. You say, "You know

truth in your life. You say, "You know truth in your life. You say, "You know what? I understand the power of prayer. what? I understand the power of prayer. what? I understand the power of prayer. I need men in the church. I need people I need men in the church. I need people I need men in the church. I need people praying for me. I need to share this praying for me. I need to share this praying for me. I need to share this with the pastor." But if you don't act with the pastor." But if you don't act with the pastor." But if you don't act upon that, if you don't engage in that, upon that, if you don't engage in that, upon that, if you don't engage in that, you're going to walk out this door and you're going to walk out this door and you're going to walk out this door and the enemy in a very supernatural way, the enemy in a very supernatural way, the enemy in a very supernatural way, this steals it back. It's what it is. this steals it back. It's what it is. this steals it back. It's what it is. Cuz you didn't go to fulfillment with Cuz you didn't go to fulfillment with Cuz you didn't go to fulfillment with that. How the Holy Spirit of God was that. How the Holy Spirit of God was that. How the Holy Spirit of God was leading you. You got to be dependent leading you. You got to be dependent leading you. You got to be dependent upon the power of God. So I don't know upon the power of God. So I don't know upon the power of God. So I don't know what's going on in your life. I It can what's going on in your life. I It can what's going on in your life. I It can be a sickness. It can be relationships. be a sickness. It can be relationships. be a sickness. It can be relationships. It can be financial. It can be all kinds It can be financial. It can be all kinds It can be financial. It can be all kinds of stuff. But it's a power of prayer. of stuff. But it's a power of prayer. of stuff. But it's a power of prayer. You got to depend upon the power of God. You got to depend upon the power of God. You got to depend upon the power of God. That's what it means to be a Christ That's what it means to be a Christ That's what it means to be a Christ centered man. Depend upon the power of centered man. Depend upon the power of centered man. Depend upon the power of God. And he says whether in life or God. And he says whether in life or God. And he says whether in life or death that Jesus be exalted. Paul was so death that Jesus be exalted. Paul was so death that Jesus be exalted. Paul was so concerned about the glory of God in his concerned about the glory of God in his concerned about the glory of God in his life. He's like, "I don't care if life. He's like, "I don't care if life. He's like, "I don't care if they're out there saying bad things they're out there saying bad things they're out there saying bad things about me, trying to cause me hurt while about me, trying to cause me hurt while about me, trying to cause me hurt while I'm here in prison. I'm depending upon I'm here in prison. I'm depending upon I'm here in prison. I'm depending upon the prayers of the brothers and sisters. the prayers of the brothers and sisters. the prayers of the brothers and sisters. I'm dependent upon the power of the Holy I'm dependent upon the power of the Holy I'm dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit. I'm going to depend upon the Spirit. I'm going to depend upon the Spirit. I'm going to depend upon the Lord God Almighty." Just as long as the Lord God Almighty." Just as long as the Lord God Almighty." Just as long as the Lord is exalted in my body either way. Lord is exalted in my body either way. Lord is exalted in my body either way. That's what it means to be a Christ That's what it means to be a Christ That's what it means to be a Christ centered man. But here's the last part, centered man. But here's the last part, centered man. But here's the last part, too. And it's a key verse there in verse too. And it's a key verse there in verse too. And it's a key verse there in verse 21. A Christ centered man specifically 21. A Christ centered man specifically 21. A Christ centered man specifically lives for the purposes of God. He has a lives for the purposes of God. He has a lives for the purposes of God. He has a passion for Christ. He prioritizes uh passion for Christ. He prioritizes uh passion for Christ. He prioritizes uh Christ and he's looking forward to that Christ and he's looking forward to that Christ and he's looking forward to that reward, that prize one day they'll have.

reward, that prize one day they'll have. reward, that prize one day they'll have. That's what he says, for me to live is That's what he says, for me to live is That's what he says, for me to live is Christ and dies gain. Now, you read that Christ and dies gain. Now, you read that Christ and dies gain. Now, you read that and you think, well, that's kind of and you think, well, that's kind of and you think, well, that's kind of wild. So Paul says, it's better for me wild. So Paul says, it's better for me wild. So Paul says, it's better for me to be here with you and the preaching of to be here with you and the preaching of to be here with you and the preaching of the gospel. He says, "But also," he the gospel. He says, "But also," he the gospel. He says, "But also," he said, "I get to I get to see that, said, "I get to I get to see that, said, "I get to I get to see that, participate that, but then also too, I participate that, but then also too, I participate that, but then also too, I know that one day when I die, I'm know that one day when I die, I'm know that one day when I die, I'm stepping onto the streets of gold." And stepping onto the streets of gold." And stepping onto the streets of gold." And and what it is when this Paul has this and what it is when this Paul has this and what it is when this Paul has this passion, his passion is for Christ. In passion, his passion is for Christ. In passion, his passion is for Christ. In the uh 9:30 service, I had two grandsons the uh 9:30 service, I had two grandsons the uh 9:30 service, I had two grandsons sitting on the front row. And uh they sitting on the front row. And uh they sitting on the front row. And uh they did really good, by the way. and they're did really good, by the way. and they're did really good, by the way. and they're sitting on the front row. If you were to sitting on the front row. If you were to sitting on the front row. If you were to ask them, "Hey boys, what does your papa ask them, "Hey boys, what does your papa ask them, "Hey boys, what does your papa have a passion for?" I can almost have a passion for?" I can almost have a passion for?" I can almost promise you they'll go, "Cows." promise you they'll go, "Cows." promise you they'll go, "Cows." You know, they're young, but they're You know, they're young, but they're You know, they're young, but they're very perceptive. very perceptive. very perceptive. The children in your household or your The children in your household or your The children in your household or your grandkids grandkids grandkids probably know what your passion is. How probably know what your passion is. How probably know what your passion is. How would they answer that question if I would they answer that question if I would they answer that question if I were to go to them and ask him, "What's were to go to them and ask him, "What's were to go to them and ask him, "What's your papa's? What's your daddy's? What's your papa's? What's your daddy's? What's your papa's? What's your daddy's? What's your mama's? What's your grandma's your mama's? What's your grandma's your mama's? What's your grandma's passion?" Now, cows is not they're not passion?" Now, cows is not they're not passion?" Now, cows is not they're not bad. Now, it's not good and they get out bad. Now, it's not good and they get out bad. Now, it's not good and they get out in the highway or stuff like that, you in the highway or stuff like that, you in the highway or stuff like that, you know, break through the fence. That know, break through the fence. That know, break through the fence. That they're not bad. There's so many good they're not bad. There's so many good they're not bad. There's so many good things. Maybe your passion is things. Maybe your passion is things. Maybe your passion is recreation. Maybe it's golf. You know, recreation. Maybe it's golf. You know, recreation. Maybe it's golf. You know, it's recreation. Maybe it's a sport.

it's recreation. Maybe it's a sport. it's recreation. Maybe it's a sport. Maybe it's hunting. Maybe it's work, Maybe it's hunting. Maybe it's work, Maybe it's hunting. Maybe it's work, business. Those are not bad things. I business. Those are not bad things. I business. Those are not bad things. I guarantee you they know what your guarantee you they know what your guarantee you they know what your passion is. passion is. passion is. But do they also know that you have a But do they also know that you have a But do they also know that you have a passion for Christ passion for Christ passion for Christ or would they not have any idea? You or would they not have any idea? You or would they not have any idea? You see, Paul said to live is Christ. It all see, Paul said to live is Christ. It all see, Paul said to live is Christ. It all revolves around Christ. You be in the revolves around Christ. You be in the revolves around Christ. You be in the workplace. Everything we do, everything workplace. Everything we do, everything workplace. Everything we do, everything we do, we work hardily unto the Lord. It we do, we work hardily unto the Lord. It we do, we work hardily unto the Lord. It revolves around Christ. It's your past. revolves around Christ. It's your past. revolves around Christ. It's your past. He prioritizes the Lord Jesus Christ in He prioritizes the Lord Jesus Christ in He prioritizes the Lord Jesus Christ in all things. You say, "Well, he's he's all things. You say, "Well, he's he's all things. You say, "Well, he's he's the Apostle Paul." Again, sometimes you the Apostle Paul." Again, sometimes you the Apostle Paul." Again, sometimes you take him and you elevate him up here as take him and you elevate him up here as take him and you elevate him up here as like Superman. When in fact, he's just a like Superman. When in fact, he's just a like Superman. When in fact, he's just a a regular guy. He was a regular guy who a regular guy. He was a regular guy who a regular guy. He was a regular guy who was saved by Jesus Christ. The Apostle was saved by Jesus Christ. The Apostle was saved by Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul got saved the same way that you and Paul got saved the same way that you and Paul got saved the same way that you and I came to faith in Jesus. Now, his might I came to faith in Jesus. Now, his might I came to faith in Jesus. Now, his might have been a little more dramatic, just have been a little more dramatic, just have been a little more dramatic, just kind of glory glide, the blinding light. kind of glory glide, the blinding light. kind of glory glide, the blinding light. I don't know if any of us in here ever I don't know if any of us in here ever I don't know if any of us in here ever experienced anything like that, but it's experienced anything like that, but it's experienced anything like that, but it's still faith and repentance in the person still faith and repentance in the person still faith and repentance in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and calling of the Lord Jesus Christ and calling of the Lord Jesus Christ and calling upon him. That's how Paul came to faith upon him. That's how Paul came to faith upon him. That's how Paul came to faith in Christ. So, he is passionate. He is in Christ. So, he is passionate. He is in Christ. So, he is passionate. He is prioritizing Christ and he's looking prioritizing Christ and he's looking prioritizing Christ and he's looking forward to that reward one day. Streets forward to that reward one day. Streets forward to that reward one day. Streets of gold. That's pretty exciting to me.

of gold. That's pretty exciting to me. of gold. That's pretty exciting to me. See, I don't have any of that. Maybe you See, I don't have any of that. Maybe you See, I don't have any of that. Maybe you do. That this gold that's in the Bible do. That this gold that's in the Bible do. That this gold that's in the Bible that's talked about, it's it's that's talked about, it's it's that's talked about, it's it's different. What am I saying? It's pure different. What am I saying? It's pure different. What am I saying? It's pure than what we have today. Now, I'm not a than what we have today. Now, I'm not a than what we have today. Now, I'm not a gold expert by any means, but way it's gold expert by any means, but way it's gold expert by any means, but way it's almost translucent. You can almost see almost translucent. You can almost see almost translucent. You can almost see through it. That's pure gold. That's the through it. That's pure gold. That's the through it. That's pure gold. That's the streets. Now, think about this. You streets. Now, think about this. You streets. Now, think about this. You think about streets. It's what we walk think about streets. It's what we walk think about streets. It's what we walk on. Okay? We don't you know what we walk on. Okay? We don't you know what we walk on. Okay? We don't you know what we walk on? What are you walking on gold? Well, on? What are you walking on gold? Well, on? What are you walking on gold? Well, if I'm going to walk on gold, what's if I'm going to walk on gold, what's if I'm going to walk on gold, what's this household going to be like that the this household going to be like that the this household going to be like that the Lord is building for me? Now, I know Lord is building for me? Now, I know Lord is building for me? Now, I know some of it's mansions in your some of it's mansions in your some of it's mansions in your translation or, you know, your living translation or, you know, your living translation or, you know, your living place or however it may be, but just place or however it may be, but just place or however it may be, but just think about this. That that's just that think about this. That that's just that think about this. That that's just that the gates, four gates. You know, you the gates, four gates. You know, you the gates, four gates. You know, you heard the jokes about the pearly gates. heard the jokes about the pearly gates. heard the jokes about the pearly gates. They're giant pearls, by the way. That's They're giant pearls, by the way. That's They're giant pearls, by the way. That's where that all come from. I mean, and we where that all come from. I mean, and we where that all come from. I mean, and we it's a city. it's a city. it's a city. City with homes and streets. This is City with homes and streets. This is City with homes and streets. This is heaven. There's no crying. There's no heaven. There's no crying. There's no heaven. There's no crying. There's no tears. There's no cancer, you know.

tears. There's no cancer, you know. tears. There's no cancer, you know. There's no sickness. There's no sin. There's no sickness. There's no sin. There's no sickness. There's no sin. There's nobody trying to mess with you There's nobody trying to mess with you There's nobody trying to mess with you or something, you know. It's just all or something, you know. It's just all or something, you know. It's just all good. And we're going to get to see the good. And we're going to get to see the good. And we're going to get to see the heroes of the faith, the the men and the heroes of the faith, the the men and the heroes of the faith, the the men and the women, the matriarchs and the patriarchs women, the matriarchs and the patriarchs women, the matriarchs and the patriarchs that we find in the Bible. That we're that we find in the Bible. That we're that we find in the Bible. That we're going to get to get to see them and talk going to get to get to see them and talk going to get to get to see them and talk to them. And we're going to get to see to them. And we're going to get to see to them. And we're going to get to see Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The one >> The one >> The one who stayed on the cross for Archie. Let me think about that. You see, Let me think about that. You see, sometimes in our sometimes in our sometimes in our mind, it's hard to grasp. mind, it's hard to grasp. mind, it's hard to grasp. Paul says, "To live is Christ, Paul says, "To live is Christ, Paul says, "To live is Christ, but to die is gain." My daddy said, but to die is gain." My daddy said, but to die is gain." My daddy said, "God's been good to me. I'm ready." "God's been good to me. I'm ready." "God's been good to me. I'm ready." When I asked him this morning, I said, When I asked him this morning, I said, When I asked him this morning, I said, "Hey, what are you doing?" He said, "Hey, what are you doing?" He said, "Hey, what are you doing?" He said, "Well, just now getting around." He "Well, just now getting around." He "Well, just now getting around." He said, "But I'm doing the same thing I do said, "But I'm doing the same thing I do said, "But I'm doing the same thing I do every day. I'm just sitting in this every day. I'm just sitting in this every day. I'm just sitting in this chair chair chair and I'm just waiting."

and I'm just waiting." and I'm just waiting." basically just waiting basically just waiting basically just waiting to live as Christ and die as gay. to live as Christ and die as gay. to live as Christ and die as gay. Are you Christ centered? Are you Christ centered? Are you Christ centered? Do people know what's going on in your Do people know what's going on in your Do people know what's going on in your life? I know you're afraid that somebody life? I know you're afraid that somebody life? I know you're afraid that somebody if you tell them somebody's going to if you tell them somebody's going to if you tell them somebody's going to stick you, somebody's going to make fun stick you, somebody's going to make fun stick you, somebody's going to make fun of you or whatever, but there's some of you or whatever, but there's some of you or whatever, but there's some folks in there who will pray for you. folks in there who will pray for you. folks in there who will pray for you. Some of you are not depending upon the Some of you are not depending upon the Some of you are not depending upon the power of prayer or the power of the Holy power of prayer or the power of the Holy power of prayer or the power of the Holy Spirit. And today's an opportunity. If Spirit. And today's an opportunity. If Spirit. And today's an opportunity. If you walk out of here, I'm most probably you walk out of here, I'm most probably you walk out of here, I'm most probably the enemy is just going to want to the enemy is just going to want to the enemy is just going to want to snatch that back from you. And that you snatch that back from you. And that you snatch that back from you. And that you got to act upon it. And so today can be got to act upon it. And so today can be got to act upon it. And so today can be that day. And most important, I always that day. And most important, I always that day. And most important, I always say this, most important, there are say this, most important, there are say this, most important, there are those in this room, look, you've been those in this room, look, you've been those in this room, look, you've been trying to be good. trying to be good. trying to be good. You want to be a good daddy. You're You want to be a good daddy. You're You want to be a good daddy. You're trying to be a good mama. Maybe you're trying to be a good mama. Maybe you're trying to be a good mama. Maybe you're trying to be a good son or good trying to be a good son or good trying to be a good son or good daughter. And you keep trying to check daughter. And you keep trying to check daughter. And you keep trying to check all the boxes and dot all the eyes and all the boxes and dot all the eyes and all the boxes and dot all the eyes and cross all the tees. And you got a cross all the tees. And you got a cross all the tees. And you got a worksbased faith. And guess what? You'll worksbased faith. And guess what? You'll worksbased faith. And guess what? You'll never measure up because you can't reach never measure up because you can't reach never measure up because you can't reach the bar of Christ. It's not about being the bar of Christ. It's not about being the bar of Christ. It's not about being good enough. It's about coming in good enough. It's about coming in good enough. It's about coming in admittance, in confession, in admittance, in confession, in admittance, in confession, in repentance, and in faith and just crying repentance, and in faith and just crying repentance, and in faith and just crying out to him very simply. Lord Jesus, I out to him very simply. Lord Jesus, I out to him very simply. Lord Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for my believe you died on the cross for my believe you died on the cross for my sins. I believe that. Lord, there's no sins. I believe that. Lord, there's no sins. I believe that. Lord, there's no one else. I don't believe in uh one else. I don't believe in uh one else. I don't believe in uh Confucianism. I didn't say that right. I Confucianism. I didn't say that right. I Confucianism. I didn't say that right. I don't believe in Buddha. I don't believe don't believe in Buddha. I don't believe don't believe in Buddha. I don't believe in Muhammad. I don't believe anybody. I in Muhammad. I don't believe anybody. I in Muhammad. I don't believe anybody. I believe in you and you alone, Lord believe in you and you alone, Lord believe in you and you alone, Lord Jesus. You took my place. You died for Jesus. You took my place. You died for Jesus. You took my place. You died for me, Lord Jesus. I repent. I repent of my me, Lord Jesus. I repent. I repent of my me, Lord Jesus. I repent. I repent of my sin. Lord, I'm a sinner. I need a

sin. Lord, I'm a sinner. I need a sin. Lord, I'm a sinner. I need a savior. Lord, please save me. Lord, I savior. Lord, please save me. Lord, I savior. Lord, please save me. Lord, I don't understand what it all means. I don't understand what it all means. I don't understand what it all means. I just want you to save me, Lord. I want just want you to save me, Lord. I want just want you to save me, Lord. I want you to forgive me. I want you to take you to forgive me. I want you to take you to forgive me. I want you to take control of my life. I want to follow control of my life. I want to follow control of my life. I want to follow you. Guess what? You know, this is truth you. Guess what? You know, this is truth you. Guess what? You know, this is truth right here. I didn't write it. You right here. I didn't write it. You right here. I didn't write it. You didn't write it. And it says, "If you didn't write it. And it says, "If you didn't write it. And it says, "If you call upon him, he will save you." It call upon him, he will save you." It call upon him, he will save you." It didn't say if you be good enough, if you didn't say if you be good enough, if you didn't say if you be good enough, if you dot the eyes and cross the tees. It dot the eyes and cross the tees. It dot the eyes and cross the tees. It didn't say if you show up at church didn't say if you show up at church didn't say if you show up at church enough. It didn't say that. He says if enough. It didn't say that. He says if enough. It didn't say that. He says if you call upon me, I'll save you. God you call upon me, I'll save you. God you call upon me, I'll save you. God keeps his promises. The reason some of keeps his promises. The reason some of keeps his promises. The reason some of you struggle so much because people you struggle so much because people you struggle so much because people broke their promises. They told you they broke their promises. They told you they broke their promises. They told you they loved you and they left you. They told loved you and they left you. They told loved you and they left you. They told you they never desert you and they you they never desert you and they you they never desert you and they walked out on you. They told you you're walked out on you. They told you you're walked out on you. They told you you're going to get a promotion and you didn't going to get a promotion and you didn't going to get a promotion and you didn't get it. People lie to you. Jesus does get it. People lie to you. Jesus does get it. People lie to you. Jesus does not lie. You call upon him, he will save not lie. You call upon him, he will save not lie. You call upon him, he will save you today. You'll never be good enough. you today. You'll never be good enough. you today. You'll never be good enough. When my mom and daddy were dancing in When my mom and daddy were dancing in When my mom and daddy were dancing in the dance halls and drinking and fights the dance halls and drinking and fights the dance halls and drinking and fights breaking out and climbing under Isn't it breaking out and climbing under Isn't it breaking out and climbing under Isn't it crazy about your mom and daddy getting crazy about your mom and daddy getting crazy about your mom and daddy getting under their bar table to get out of a under their bar table to get out of a under their bar table to get out of a fight? That's the craziest thing to me.

And my dad And my dad in a missionary in a missionary in a missionary missionary Baptist church cries out missionary Baptist church cries out missionary Baptist church cries out for God to save him. for God to save him. for God to save him. And God answered his cry and he saved And God answered his cry and he saved And God answered his cry and he saved him and changed the course him and changed the course him and changed the course of our family. of our family. of our family. I got some Mason jeans in me. There's I got some Mason jeans in me. There's I got some Mason jeans in me. There's some crazy jeans in there. It's like some crazy jeans in there. It's like some crazy jeans in there. It's like some crazy sales inside of me like go some crazy sales inside of me like go some crazy sales inside of me like go berserko stuff berserko stuff berserko stuff and my daddy listening to Christ changed the course. changed the course. Never good enough. Never would be Never good enough. Never would be Never good enough. Never would be because they preached the gospel and he because they preached the gospel and he because they preached the gospel and he heard it and he responded. heard it and he responded. heard it and he responded. And I'm here today. And I'm here today. And I'm here today. Number one, because God saved me. Number Number one, because God saved me. Number Number one, because God saved me. Number two, because God saved my daddy. two, because God saved my daddy. two, because God saved my daddy. Changed our family.

Changed our family. Changed our family. We were the drunk family. We were the We were the drunk family. We were the We were the drunk family. We were the fighting family. fighting family. fighting family. We were the family had a bad reputation We were the family had a bad reputation We were the family had a bad reputation for being crazy. for being crazy. for being crazy. And God changed that course. He'll And God changed that course. He'll And God changed that course. He'll change you, too. But you got to call change you, too. But you got to call change you, too. But you got to call upon him. Father, as we pray across this upon him. Father, as we pray across this upon him. Father, as we pray across this room, Lord, we just admit and room, Lord, we just admit and room, Lord, we just admit and acknowledge, Lord, you're so good. acknowledge, Lord, you're so good. acknowledge, Lord, you're so good. And Lord, we fail and we make mistakes. And Lord, we fail and we make mistakes. And Lord, we fail and we make mistakes. And there's no man or woman in this And there's no man or woman in this And there's no man or woman in this room. We're perfect in position in you, room. We're perfect in position in you, room. We're perfect in position in you, but we're not always perfect in but we're not always perfect in but we're not always perfect in practice. And so, Lord, don't let the practice. And so, Lord, don't let the practice. And so, Lord, don't let the enemy just enemy just enemy just really sew seeds of guilt and that stuff really sew seeds of guilt and that stuff really sew seeds of guilt and that stuff today. Lord, I I pray that you just today. Lord, I I pray that you just today. Lord, I I pray that you just hedge this room, protect this room, and hedge this room, protect this room, and hedge this room, protect this room, and Holy Spirit, right now, speak to the Holy Spirit, right now, speak to the Holy Spirit, right now, speak to the hearts of people. There are men and hearts of people. There are men and hearts of people. There are men and women who need people praying for them women who need people praying for them women who need people praying for them and they know it and but Lord, they got and they know it and but Lord, they got and they know it and but Lord, they got to engage. They've got to ask. And today to engage. They've got to ask. And today to engage. They've got to ask. And today can be a day of great freedom. Today can can be a day of great freedom. Today can can be a day of great freedom. Today can be that day that steps of faith and be that day that steps of faith and be that day that steps of faith and depending upon the power of you, oh God, depending upon the power of you, oh God, depending upon the power of you, oh God, depending upon the spirit of you, Lord depending upon the spirit of you, Lord depending upon the spirit of you, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit. So I pray Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit. So I pray Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit. So I pray that takes place. But Lord, also is that that takes place. But Lord, also is that that takes place. But Lord, also is that day of salvation. Lord, I pray right now day of salvation. Lord, I pray right now day of salvation. Lord, I pray right now there'll be those calling out to you, there'll be those calling out to you, there'll be those calling out to you, men and women, girls and boys, right men and women, girls and boys, right men and women, girls and boys, right now, Lord, calling out, repenting, now, Lord, calling out, repenting, now, Lord, calling out, repenting, putting their faith and trust in you, putting their faith and trust in you, putting their faith and trust in you, believing in you, asking them to save believing in you, asking them to save believing in you, asking them to save you, and then not being ashamed, ashamed you, and then not being ashamed, ashamed you, and then not being ashamed, ashamed of you, Lord Jesus. May that be so. May of you, Lord Jesus. May that be so. May of you, Lord Jesus. May that be so. May it take place today. May it be for your it take place today. May it be for your it take place today. May it be for your glory and your honor that to live as glory and your honor that to live as glory and your honor that to live as Christ and to die as gain. May that be, Christ and to die as gain. May that be, Christ and to die as gain. May that be, Lord, a statement that rings true in our Lord, a statement that rings true in our Lord, a statement that rings true in our lives today. In your name we pray. Name

lives today. In your name we pray. Name lives today. In your name we pray. Name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. And can we stand?