Everyday Joy - We Press On - Dr. Archie Mason

Once again, good morning. Welcome here Once again, good morning. Welcome here to Central Baptist Church. If you're to Central Baptist Church. If you're to Central Baptist Church. If you're visiting with us for the first time, visiting with us for the first time, visiting with us for the first time, maybe you are engaging through online maybe you are engaging through online maybe you are engaging through online streaming or by television. My name is streaming or by television. My name is streaming or by television. My name is Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor. So so Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor. So so Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor. So so glad to have all of you today. If you glad to have all of you today. If you glad to have all of you today. If you have a Bible with you, maybe you have have a Bible with you, maybe you have have a Bible with you, maybe you have your Bible on your phone. Let's take it your Bible on your phone. Let's take it your Bible on your phone. Let's take it and go ahead and turn to the book of and go ahead and turn to the book of and go ahead and turn to the book of Philippians. And so this morning we're Philippians. And so this morning we're Philippians. And so this morning we're going to be in Philippians chapter 3. going to be in Philippians chapter 3. going to be in Philippians chapter 3. We're going to pick up about verse 12, We're going to pick up about verse 12, We're going to pick up about verse 12, work down through about verse 16. And work down through about verse 16. And work down through about verse 16. And the title of today is that we press on. the title of today is that we press on. the title of today is that we press on. We're pressing on comes right out of the We're pressing on comes right out of the We're pressing on comes right out of the text from the Apostle Paul writing to text from the Apostle Paul writing to text from the Apostle Paul writing to the church of Philippi. Got a couple the church of Philippi. Got a couple the church of Philippi. Got a couple folks I want to introduce to you on the folks I want to introduce to you on the folks I want to introduce to you on the screen. Uh you may know these folks you screen. Uh you may know these folks you screen. Uh you may know these folks you may not. 2015 may not. 2015 may not. 2015 uh James Robertson was in Detroit and he uh James Robertson was in Detroit and he uh James Robertson was in Detroit and he was recognized on ABC News. Uh in fact, was recognized on ABC News. Uh in fact, was recognized on ABC News. Uh in fact, was considered to be the person of the was considered to be the person of the was considered to be the person of the week. His story is he's working in a week. His story is he's working in a week. His story is he's working in a factory factory factory uh outside of Detroit. And so he had a uh outside of Detroit. And so he had a uh outside of Detroit. And so he had a car. He's just an average normal working car. He's just an average normal working car. He's just an average normal working guy uh working a factory job, working guy uh working a factory job, working guy uh working a factory job, working different shifts, and doing that. Uh different shifts, and doing that. Uh different shifts, and doing that. Uh consistent in his job, loved what he consistent in his job, loved what he consistent in his job, loved what he did. He had a Honda car that he bought did. He had a Honda car that he bought did. He had a Honda car that he bought for $500. That was his transportation.

for $500. That was his transportation. for $500. That was his transportation. But his car broke down. Nothing wrong But his car broke down. Nothing wrong But his car broke down. Nothing wrong with a Honda car, just had a lot of with a Honda car, just had a lot of with a Honda car, just had a lot of miles on it, broke down. And uh and miles on it, broke down. And uh and miles on it, broke down. And uh and like, you know, a lot of folks and just like, you know, a lot of folks and just like, you know, a lot of folks and just working folks in America, he didn't have working folks in America, he didn't have working folks in America, he didn't have enough for car repairs. And so he would enough for car repairs. And so he would enough for car repairs. And so he would take the bus as far as it would take him take the bus as far as it would take him take the bus as far as it would take him and then he would walk the rest of the and then he would walk the rest of the and then he would walk the rest of the way to work. And then he'd get off work way to work. And then he'd get off work way to work. And then he'd get off work and he'd walk back. Well, and he'd walk back. Well, and he'd walk back. Well, there was a business guy uh in the area there was a business guy uh in the area there was a business guy uh in the area that noticed James walking at the same that noticed James walking at the same that noticed James walking at the same time uh every day. And in fact, uh as he time uh every day. And in fact, uh as he time uh every day. And in fact, uh as he knows him, he stopped and pick him up knows him, he stopped and pick him up knows him, he stopped and pick him up and he'd give him a ride and begin to and he'd give him a ride and begin to and he'd give him a ride and begin to hear his story. In fact, James had been hear his story. In fact, James had been hear his story. In fact, James had been walking to work almost 21 mi round trip walking to work almost 21 mi round trip walking to work almost 21 mi round trip for almost a decade. Been for a number for almost a decade. Been for a number for almost a decade. Been for a number of years, almost 10 years. And the guy of years, almost 10 years. And the guy of years, almost 10 years. And the guy could not believe what was taking place. could not believe what was taking place. could not believe what was taking place. He asked a question. He said, "Well, I He asked a question. He said, "Well, I He asked a question. He said, "Well, I love my job." In fact, James had perfect love my job." In fact, James had perfect love my job." In fact, James had perfect attendance at his job. attendance at his job. attendance at his job. Uh had never missed a day, was always on Uh had never missed a day, was always on Uh had never missed a day, was always on time. Now, time. Now, time. Now, the story hit the newspaper, the ABC the story hit the newspaper, the ABC the story hit the newspaper, the ABC News found out about it, named him News found out about it, named him News found out about it, named him person of the week, went viral. A person of the week, went viral. A person of the week, went viral. A college guy found out about it, did a college guy found out about it, did a college guy found out about it, did a GoFundMe page, and guess what? Ford GoFundMe page, and guess what? Ford GoFundMe page, and guess what? Ford heard about it and gave James a car.

heard about it and gave James a car. heard about it and gave James a car. Now, I watched the video when they gave Now, I watched the video when they gave Now, I watched the video when they gave him a car. I mean, he can imagine he's him a car. I mean, he can imagine he's him a car. I mean, he can imagine he's in tears. They asked a question, they in tears. They asked a question, they in tears. They asked a question, they said, said, said, What? Cuz I don't know about you. What? Cuz I don't know about you. What? Cuz I don't know about you. You may love your job. Do you love your You may love your job. Do you love your You may love your job. Do you love your job enough in the rain and the snow and job enough in the rain and the snow and job enough in the rain and the snow and up in that area of the world where it up in that area of the world where it up in that area of the world where it gets cold and to walk in sometimes 21 mi gets cold and to walk in sometimes 21 mi gets cold and to walk in sometimes 21 mi round trip? Do you love it that much to round trip? Do you love it that much to round trip? Do you love it that much to do it? They asked him, "How in the world do it? They asked him, "How in the world do it? They asked him, "How in the world did you do that?" He said, "I have did you do that?" He said, "I have did you do that?" He said, "I have responsibilities." That was his That was responsibilities." That was his That was responsibilities." That was his That was his statement. Now, I say that because his statement. Now, I say that because his statement. Now, I say that because here's a picture of a man. This here's a picture of a man. This here's a picture of a man. This As we're going to look in the text, Paul As we're going to look in the text, Paul As we're going to look in the text, Paul says, "Forgetting what lies behind and says, "Forgetting what lies behind and says, "Forgetting what lies behind and pressing on." This is a man that pressed pressing on." This is a man that pressed pressing on." This is a man that pressed on. Just in earning a living for his on. Just in earning a living for his on. Just in earning a living for his family. I also want to introduce you to family. I also want to introduce you to family. I also want to introduce you to a lady that you may have heard of, Joni a lady that you may have heard of, Joni a lady that you may have heard of, Joni Eareckson Tada, which was in a diving Eareckson Tada, which was in a diving Eareckson Tada, which was in a diving accident at the age of 17 and became a accident at the age of 17 and became a accident at the age of 17 and became a paraplegic. Now, you may know her story. paraplegic. Now, you may know her story. paraplegic. Now, you may know her story. It was times of life with depression, It was times of life with depression, It was times of life with depression, discouragement, but the Lord did a work discouragement, but the Lord did a work discouragement, but the Lord did a work in her life. She learned how to paint by in her life. She learned how to paint by in her life. She learned how to paint by holding the paintbrush in her mouth. She holding the paintbrush in her mouth. She holding the paintbrush in her mouth. She was an author. She is a speaker. She's was an author. She is a speaker. She's was an author. She is a speaker. She's been in Billy Graham crusades and done been in Billy Graham crusades and done been in Billy Graham crusades and done this. And in fact, I I ran across a this. And in fact, I I ran across a this. And in fact, I I ran across a statement I wrote down that she said.

statement I wrote down that she said. statement I wrote down that she said. She said, "Sometimes what happens is God She said, "Sometimes what happens is God She said, "Sometimes what happens is God permits what he hates to accomplish what permits what he hates to accomplish what permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves." he loves." he loves." Let me say that one more time. Let that Let me say that one more time. Let that Let me say that one more time. Let that sink in. Sometimes what happens is God sink in. Sometimes what happens is God sink in. Sometimes what happens is God permits what he hates to accomplish what permits what he hates to accomplish what permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves. he loves. he loves. Unless you have been in a situation like Unless you have been in a situation like Unless you have been in a situation like she was in, she was in, she was in, you we don't grasp the depth of that. you we don't grasp the depth of that. you we don't grasp the depth of that. But what she did is she pressed on. She But what she did is she pressed on. She But what she did is she pressed on. She pressed on. pressed on. pressed on. She pressed on, forgetting what lies She pressed on, forgetting what lies She pressed on, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to the behind and reaching forward to the behind and reaching forward to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. upward call of God in Christ Jesus. upward call of God in Christ Jesus. That's the passage today. The Apostle That's the passage today. The Apostle That's the passage today. The Apostle Paul writing to the church of Philippi. Paul writing to the church of Philippi. Paul writing to the church of Philippi. He was encouraging them through the He was encouraging them through the He was encouraging them through the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration of the word of God, penning inspiration of the word of God, penning inspiration of the word of God, penning these words. God speaking to us. He was these words. God speaking to us. He was these words. God speaking to us. He was encouraging church Philippi. God is encouraging church Philippi. God is encouraging church Philippi. God is encouraging us today to press on. To encouraging us today to press on. To encouraging us today to press on. To move forward. It is a call to It's move forward. It is a call to It's move forward. It is a call to It's really a call to press on in our growth. really a call to press on in our growth. really a call to press on in our growth. It's a call to press on in our growth. It's a call to press on in our growth. It's a call to press on in our growth. It's got the same theme that runs It's got the same theme that runs It's got the same theme that runs through it, the sanctification of through it, the sanctification of through it, the sanctification of growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, it's very practical, applicable, to use it's very practical, applicable, to use it's very practical, applicable, to use that word to apply, uh very uh that word to apply, uh very uh that word to apply, uh very uh simplistic in this. And we're going to simplistic in this. And we're going to simplistic in this. And we're going to really to look at our life and evaluate really to look at our life and evaluate really to look at our life and evaluate ourself and see where we are. Are we ourself and see where we are. Are we ourself and see where we are. Are we pressing on? Hey, if you don't mind, if pressing on? Hey, if you don't mind, if pressing on? Hey, if you don't mind, if you're able, would you stand with me for you're able, would you stand with me for you're able, would you stand with me for the public reading of scripture?

the public reading of scripture? the public reading of scripture? Not that I've already obtained it. Now, Not that I've already obtained it. Now, Not that I've already obtained it. Now, we're picking up where we left off last we're picking up where we left off last we're picking up where we left off last week. Not that I've already attained it, week. Not that I've already attained it, week. Not that I've already attained it, already become perfect, but I press on already become perfect, but I press on already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which so that I may lay hold of that for which so that I may lay hold of that for which I was also which I was laid hold of by I was also which I was laid hold of by I was also which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet. myself as having laid hold of it yet. myself as having laid hold of it yet. But one thing I do, forgetting what lies But one thing I do, forgetting what lies But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal. This ahead. I press on toward the goal. This ahead. I press on toward the goal. This is the This is the meat of the passage is the This is the meat of the passage is the This is the meat of the passage right here. It's all God's word. It's right here. It's all God's word. It's right here. It's all God's word. It's all inspired. But right here, I press on all inspired. But right here, I press on all inspired. But right here, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the toward the goal for the prize of the toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, us therefore, as many as are perfect, us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude. And if anything, you have this attitude. And if anything, you have this attitude. And if anything, you have a different attitude, God will have a different attitude, God will have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you. I like He's reveal that also to you. I like He's reveal that also to you. I like He's basically saying, if you got different basically saying, if you got different basically saying, if you got different attitude, don't worry, God's going to attitude, don't worry, God's going to attitude, don't worry, God's going to straighten you out. So, that's what it straighten you out. So, that's what it straighten you out. So, that's what it says to me. However, let us keep living says to me. However, let us keep living says to me. However, let us keep living by the same standard to which we have by the same standard to which we have by the same standard to which we have attained. Uh excited as we pray, pray attained. Uh excited as we pray, pray attained. Uh excited as we pray, pray for the greenhouse. It's Mansion's going for the greenhouse. It's Mansion's going for the greenhouse. It's Mansion's going to start uh next week. Dr. John Huffs to start uh next week. Dr. John Huffs to start uh next week. Dr. John Huffs coming out the gate preaching. He'll be coming out the gate preaching. He'll be coming out the gate preaching. He'll be in the same text, same outline, just in the same text, same outline, just in the same text, same outline, just like we are. Uh and here we got a lot of like we are. Uh and here we got a lot of like we are. Uh and here we got a lot of great preachers on our team. And so, uh great preachers on our team. And so, uh great preachers on our team. And so, uh we are excited about that. And also, we are excited about that. And also, we are excited about that. And also, too, I have permission from the Pagan too, I have permission from the Pagan too, I have permission from the Pagan family to share that brother Steve Pagan family to share that brother Steve Pagan family to share that brother Steve Pagan has been moved into hospice.

has been moved into hospice. has been moved into hospice. He is in the He's in the last days of He is in the He's in the last days of He is in the He's in the last days of his life. Some of us had an opportunity his life. Some of us had an opportunity his life. Some of us had an opportunity to visit with him while he was still at to visit with him while he was still at to visit with him while he was still at home. He is ready home. He is ready home. He is ready to go be with Jesus. to go be with Jesus. to go be with Jesus. He was diagnosed with a terminal illness He was diagnosed with a terminal illness He was diagnosed with a terminal illness many months ago. He has fought a long many months ago. He has fought a long many months ago. He has fought a long hard battle, but he is ready to go meet hard battle, but he is ready to go meet hard battle, but he is ready to go meet his Lord and his savior. And so I asked his Lord and his savior. And so I asked his Lord and his savior. And so I asked him for permission to share that with him for permission to share that with him for permission to share that with you. And so I want us to pray for him as you. And so I want us to pray for him as you. And so I want us to pray for him as we pray. Pray for the presence of God to we pray. Pray for the presence of God to we pray. Pray for the presence of God to rest upon him and in that family as he rest upon him and in that family as he rest upon him and in that family as he is on the doorsteps of entering into uh is on the doorsteps of entering into uh is on the doorsteps of entering into uh the place called heaven. the place called heaven. the place called heaven. Oh, what a homecoming that is going to Oh, what a homecoming that is going to Oh, what a homecoming that is going to be. be. be. And for all of us who are believers in And for all of us who are believers in And for all of us who are believers in Christ. Fathers, we pray this morning. Christ. Fathers, we pray this morning. Christ. Fathers, we pray this morning. We come for you in the name of Jesus. We come for you in the name of Jesus. We come for you in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, we can stand here we can stand here we can stand here today and can pray today and can pray today and can pray for the family and a brother who is for the family and a brother who is for the family and a brother who is about to step into eternity only because about to step into eternity only because about to step into eternity only because you Lord Jesus went to that cross and you Lord Jesus went to that cross and you Lord Jesus went to that cross and came out of that grave on the third day. came out of that grave on the third day. came out of that grave on the third day. We can only pray for your presence and We can only pray for your presence and We can only pray for your presence and peace because Lord, we know you tell us peace because Lord, we know you tell us peace because Lord, we know you tell us that when we call upon you in faith and that when we call upon you in faith and that when we call upon you in faith and repentance, you write our name in the repentance, you write our name in the repentance, you write our name in the Lamb's Book of Life. And so Lord, death Lamb's Book of Life. And so Lord, death Lamb's Book of Life. And so Lord, death is not the end. It is the beginning. And is not the end. It is the beginning. And is not the end. It is the beginning. And so Lord, I pray for this family. Pray so Lord, I pray for this family. Pray so Lord, I pray for this family. Pray for brother Steve.

for brother Steve. for brother Steve. He is ready. He is ready. He is ready. He has Lord lived his life for you. He has Lord lived his life for you. He has Lord lived his life for you. Tremendous testimony of his life coming Tremendous testimony of his life coming Tremendous testimony of his life coming to Christ. And so Lord, to Christ. And so Lord, to Christ. And so Lord, I pray just the the peace of you that I pray just the the peace of you that I pray just the the peace of you that goes beyond all understanding to be goes beyond all understanding to be goes beyond all understanding to be there with him and with his family there with him and with his family there with him and with his family members even now. They love him. members even now. They love him. members even now. They love him. They know Lord what lies ahead. We know They know Lord what lies ahead. We know They know Lord what lies ahead. We know you can do a supernatural miracle. We you can do a supernatural miracle. We you can do a supernatural miracle. We have prayed. Lord, either way, do May have prayed. Lord, either way, do May have prayed. Lord, either way, do May your will be done. And so Father, I pray your will be done. And so Father, I pray your will be done. And so Father, I pray for the family. And Lord, today as we for the family. And Lord, today as we for the family. And Lord, today as we are here in this passage of scripture. are here in this passage of scripture. are here in this passage of scripture. Lord, disciple us. Teach us. It's a Lord, disciple us. Teach us. It's a Lord, disciple us. Teach us. It's a calling to sanctification. Today, it's a calling to sanctification. Today, it's a calling to sanctification. Today, it's a it's a calling to recognize where we are it's a calling to recognize where we are it's a calling to recognize where we are spiritually as believers. And so Lord, I spiritually as believers. And so Lord, I spiritually as believers. And so Lord, I pray do a work in our lives today. And pray do a work in our lives today. And pray do a work in our lives today. And Lord, as always, Lord, as always, Lord, as always, I pray you call someone to yourself. I I pray you call someone to yourself. I I pray you call someone to yourself. I pray someone is saved today. May it be pray someone is saved today. May it be pray someone is saved today. May it be for your glory and honor. And all God's for your glory and honor. And all God's for your glory and honor. And all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated if you would. Thanks for standing seated if you would. Thanks for standing seated if you would. Thanks for standing for the public reading for the public reading for the public reading of scripture. So, of scripture. So, of scripture. So, we press on for our growth and we press we press on for our growth and we press we press on for our growth and we press press on for our goal. So, we all have a press on for our goal. So, we all have a press on for our goal. So, we all have a God-given purpose God-given purpose God-given purpose given to us in life. So, we're going to given to us in life. So, we're going to given to us in life. So, we're going to talk about that in just a moment. Now, talk about that in just a moment. Now, talk about that in just a moment. Now, Paul, when he starts out right here in Paul, when he starts out right here in Paul, when he starts out right here in the beginning of verse 12, he says, "Not the beginning of verse 12, he says, "Not the beginning of verse 12, he says, "Not that I've already attained." This is that I've already attained." This is that I've already attained." This is where we got to recognize where we are where we got to recognize where we are where we got to recognize where we are spiritually in this. We've got to spiritually in this. We've got to spiritually in this. We've got to evaluate ourself. If anyone had the evaluate ourself. If anyone had the evaluate ourself. If anyone had the right to we want to say brag, it would right to we want to say brag, it would right to we want to say brag, it would be the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul, be the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul, be the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul, you know, wrote a lot of the New you know, wrote a lot of the New you know, wrote a lot of the New Testament. Now, he's about 30 years in Testament. Now, he's about 30 years in Testament. Now, he's about 30 years in Christ, I believe at the writing of Christ, I believe at the writing of Christ, I believe at the writing of this. We know his past before dragging

this. We know his past before dragging this. We know his past before dragging people off of the way, those who are people off of the way, those who are people off of the way, those who are followers of Christ. Execution was there followers of Christ. Execution was there followers of Christ. Execution was there present at the stoning of Stephen. We present at the stoning of Stephen. We present at the stoning of Stephen. We know that part. But, also we know he's know that part. But, also we know he's know that part. But, also we know he's planted churches, he's led people to planted churches, he's led people to planted churches, he's led people to faith in Christ, he's shared the gospel faith in Christ, he's shared the gospel faith in Christ, he's shared the gospel with thousands of folks, with thousands of folks, with thousands of folks, all the good stuff that we have. So, if all the good stuff that we have. So, if all the good stuff that we have. So, if anyone you say had the right to brag, it anyone you say had the right to brag, it anyone you say had the right to brag, it it would be him. But, Paul is basically it would be him. But, Paul is basically it would be him. But, Paul is basically saying, "Not that I've already attained saying, "Not that I've already attained saying, "Not that I've already attained it." We have a We really have a calling it." We have a We really have a calling it." We have a We really have a calling in life. You got to recognize where we in life. You got to recognize where we in life. You got to recognize where we are spiritually. Okay? Because as are spiritually. Okay? Because as are spiritually. Okay? Because as believers, we are to continually be believers, we are to continually be believers, we are to continually be growing in Christ. Now, I got a couple growing in Christ. Now, I got a couple growing in Christ. Now, I got a couple things things things I want to share with you. Two, that one I want to share with you. Two, that one I want to share with you. Two, that one of the greatest dangers to the Christian of the greatest dangers to the Christian of the greatest dangers to the Christian life is thinking that we have arrived. life is thinking that we have arrived. life is thinking that we have arrived. That is where a Christian can become That is where a Christian can become That is where a Christian can become spiritually arrogant. That you think you spiritually arrogant. That you think you spiritually arrogant. That you think you have got it all figured out. Now, I'm have got it all figured out. Now, I'm have got it all figured out. Now, I'm teaching from a passage of scripture teaching from a passage of scripture teaching from a passage of scripture that many of you have heard hundreds of that many of you have heard hundreds of that many of you have heard hundreds of times. Now, in fact, if I'm not going to times. Now, in fact, if I'm not going to times. Now, in fact, if I'm not going to give you my exact age, some of you know give you my exact age, some of you know give you my exact age, some of you know it, but I say today is 25. So, how many it, but I say today is 25. So, how many it, but I say today is 25. So, how many of you have been born again for 30 of you have been born again for 30 of you have been born again for 30 years? Anybody been born again for 30 years? Anybody been born again for 30 years? Anybody been born again for 30 years? And I say, "Okay." How many of years? And I say, "Okay." How many of years? And I say, "Okay." How many of you have been born again for 40 years? you have been born again for 40 years? you have been born again for 40 years? Got any 40 years in it? How many have Got any 40 years in it? How many have Got any 40 years in it? How many have been born again for for years? Any 50 been born again for for years? Any 50 been born again for for years? Any 50 year in it? Okay. All right, I got some year in it? Okay. All right, I got some year in it? Okay. All right, I got some hands going. I got a lot We got some hands going. I got a lot We got some hands going. I got a lot We got some folks in there. So, I'm going to stop folks in there. So, I'm going to stop folks in there. So, I'm going to stop right there, okay? Now, you have heard right there, okay? Now, you have heard right there, okay? Now, you have heard this passage hundreds of times. You have this passage hundreds of times. You have this passage hundreds of times. You have maybe taught it in a group yourself.

maybe taught it in a group yourself. maybe taught it in a group yourself. Maybe it has become one of your favorite Maybe it has become one of your favorite Maybe it has become one of your favorite past scriptures. Maybe you're a part of past scriptures. Maybe you're a part of past scriptures. Maybe you're a part of Upward Sports at one time and that's Upward Sports at one time and that's Upward Sports at one time and that's where Upward got its name from the where Upward got its name from the where Upward got its name from the Upward call of God in Christ Jesus. You Upward call of God in Christ Jesus. You Upward call of God in Christ Jesus. You know, there's so much to it. But now, know, there's so much to it. But now, know, there's so much to it. But now, just a couple of quick questions. Are just a couple of quick questions. Are just a couple of quick questions. Are you closer to the Christ now than you you closer to the Christ now than you you closer to the Christ now than you were a year ago? It's a yes or no were a year ago? It's a yes or no were a year ago? It's a yes or no answer. And in fact, if you're a answer. And in fact, if you're a answer. And in fact, if you're a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you should know that. Are you closer to should know that. Are you closer to should know that. Are you closer to Christ now than you were a year ago? Christ now than you were a year ago? Christ now than you were a year ago? See, this is how we evaluate where we See, this is how we evaluate where we See, this is how we evaluate where we are spiritually. Here's another one. Do are spiritually. Here's another one. Do are spiritually. Here's another one. Do I hunger for God's word? I hunger for God's word? I hunger for God's word? For I would say all of us, because when For I would say all of us, because when For I would say all of us, because when we came to faith in Christ, there was a we came to faith in Christ, there was a we came to faith in Christ, there was a change of attitude, a change of actions, change of attitude, a change of actions, change of attitude, a change of actions, it's change of heart. It's because the it's change of heart. It's because the it's change of heart. It's because the Holy Spirit lives within us. There was a Holy Spirit lives within us. There was a Holy Spirit lives within us. There was a man, a hunger for God's word. This man, a hunger for God's word. This man, a hunger for God's word. This morning, I was in my office and I'm on morning, I was in my office and I'm on morning, I was in my office and I'm on the second floor and I was just looking the second floor and I was just looking the second floor and I was just looking out at the weather to see if the sun was out at the weather to see if the sun was out at the weather to see if the sun was out or not. And I noticed that at 15 to out or not. And I noticed that at 15 to out or not. And I noticed that at 15 to 8:00, there was a young dad and mom 8:00, there was a young dad and mom 8:00, there was a young dad and mom walking up and the young dad was walking up and the young dad was walking up and the young dad was carrying a small girl, a toddler. She carrying a small girl, a toddler. She carrying a small girl, a toddler. She had a bow in her hair and he's kind of had a bow in her hair and he's kind of had a bow in her hair and he's kind of bouncing around and mom was following bouncing around and mom was following bouncing around and mom was following that. And I thought to myself, I said, that. And I thought to myself, I said, that. And I thought to myself, I said, "Here's a couple. It is not even 8:00 in "Here's a couple. It is not even 8:00 in "Here's a couple. It is not even 8:00 in the morning. They woke baby girl up and the morning. They woke baby girl up and the morning. They woke baby girl up and here they come." And I was saying, I here they come." And I was saying, I here they come." And I was saying, I said, "God, they have come this morning said, "God, they have come this morning said, "God, they have come this morning because they desire to hear your word."

because they desire to hear your word." because they desire to hear your word." To show up at 8:00 with a toddler and a To show up at 8:00 with a toddler and a To show up at 8:00 with a toddler and a dad There is a desire. Not just because dad There is a desire. Not just because dad There is a desire. Not just because it's the right thing to do or I think it's the right thing to do or I think it's the right thing to do or I think it's a good thing to do or mama said do it's a good thing to do or mama said do it's a good thing to do or mama said do it or daddy said do it. No, cuz there is it or daddy said do it. No, cuz there is it or daddy said do it. No, cuz there is a desire. Do you have a hunger for God's a desire. Do you have a hunger for God's a desire. Do you have a hunger for God's word now more than you even had over a word now more than you even had over a word now more than you even had over a year ago? Here's another one to kind of year ago? Here's another one to kind of year ago? Here's another one to kind of ask. Is my prayer life Is my prayer life ask. Is my prayer life Is my prayer life ask. Is my prayer life Is my prayer life growing or is it not? Uh growing or is it not? Uh growing or is it not? Uh Is the fruit of the spirit becoming more Is the fruit of the spirit becoming more Is the fruit of the spirit becoming more evident? evident? evident? Now, think about this. As a believer, Now, think about this. As a believer, Now, think about this. As a believer, we've been given we've been given we've been given uh we know spiritual gifts. We can talk uh we know spiritual gifts. We can talk uh we know spiritual gifts. We can talk about utilizing those, but the fruit of about utilizing those, but the fruit of about utilizing those, but the fruit of the spirit of peace and joy, all these the spirit of peace and joy, all these the spirit of peace and joy, all these things, is it becoming more evident. Am things, is it becoming more evident. Am things, is it becoming more evident. Am I more loving, humble, forgiving, and I more loving, humble, forgiving, and I more loving, humble, forgiving, and obedient? Now, it's a word we evaluate obedient? Now, it's a word we evaluate obedient? Now, it's a word we evaluate ourself. And if you answer any of those ourself. And if you answer any of those ourself. And if you answer any of those questions and go, you know, no, that's questions and go, you know, no, that's questions and go, you know, no, that's not really where I am, and you are not really where I am, and you are not really where I am, and you are follower of Christ, then, you know, follower of Christ, then, you know, follower of Christ, then, you know, maybe you need to pray, Lord, renew to maybe you need to pray, Lord, renew to maybe you need to pray, Lord, renew to me the joy of your salvation. Maybe we me the joy of your salvation. Maybe we me the joy of your salvation. Maybe we have this invitation. It's a place where have this invitation. It's a place where have this invitation. It's a place where you come and and you repent as a you come and and you repent as a you come and and you repent as a believer and just get some stuff right believer and just get some stuff right believer and just get some stuff right with the Lord. See, this is how we press with the Lord. See, this is how we press with the Lord. See, this is how we press on. It's the idea this is a picture of on. It's the idea this is a picture of on. It's the idea this is a picture of somebody that's running. And you're somebody that's running. And you're somebody that's running. And you're running, you're pressing forward toward running, you're pressing forward toward running, you're pressing forward toward the goal, across the finish line. So, I the goal, across the finish line. So, I the goal, across the finish line. So, I did runners don't like look back cuz you did runners don't like look back cuz you did runners don't like look back cuz you start looking back, you get off focus.

start looking back, you get off focus. start looking back, you get off focus. So, you got to recognize where you are So, you got to recognize where you are So, you got to recognize where you are spiritually, but also, we got to respond spiritually, but also, we got to respond spiritually, but also, we got to respond to God's call to sanctification. So, he to God's call to sanctification. So, he to God's call to sanctification. So, he says next, he says, now, you know, not says next, he says, now, you know, not says next, he says, now, you know, not to have laid hold of it, but I'm to have laid hold of it, but I'm to have laid hold of it, but I'm pressing on, which is mean I'm pursuing. pressing on, which is mean I'm pursuing. pressing on, which is mean I'm pursuing. I am eager. I am moving forward. I'm I am eager. I am moving forward. I'm I am eager. I am moving forward. I'm pressing on for the point of that, that pressing on for the point of that, that pressing on for the point of that, that I may lay hold of that which was also I may lay hold of that which was also I may lay hold of that which was also laid hold of by uh Christ Jesus. When I laid hold of by uh Christ Jesus. When I laid hold of by uh Christ Jesus. When I was growing up as a kid, was growing up as a kid, was growing up as a kid, if my daddy ever said, "Son, if my daddy ever said, "Son, if my daddy ever said, "Son, I'm about to lay hold of you." I'm about to lay hold of you." I'm about to lay hold of you." That was not a good thing. That was not a good thing. That was not a good thing. Now, in a spiritual, uh biblical Now, in a spiritual, uh biblical Now, in a spiritual, uh biblical language, we'll call it, that laying language, we'll call it, that laying language, we'll call it, that laying hold of is that it's the idea of coming hold of is that it's the idea of coming hold of is that it's the idea of coming to faith in Christ, the Lord pursuing us to faith in Christ, the Lord pursuing us to faith in Christ, the Lord pursuing us and embracing us and grasping us and us and embracing us and grasping us and us and embracing us and grasping us and us coming in repentance and in faith. So, coming in repentance and in faith. So, coming in repentance and in faith. So, what Paul says, he says, he says, I what Paul says, he says, he says, I what Paul says, he says, he says, I press on that I may lay hold of that press on that I may lay hold of that press on that I may lay hold of that what the Lord has for me, what the Lord has for me, what the Lord has for me, uh which I was also laid hold of by the uh which I was also laid hold of by the uh which I was also laid hold of by the Lord Jesus Christ. So, here, if I were Lord Jesus Christ. So, here, if I were Lord Jesus Christ. So, here, if I were you, I say this quite often. When we you, I say this quite often. When we you, I say this quite often. When we talk about responding, you know, to talk about responding, you know, to talk about responding, you know, to God's call to sanctification, I'd be God's call to sanctification, I'd be God's call to sanctification, I'd be saying, well, well, how does that work?

saying, well, well, how does that work? saying, well, well, how does that work? How do I press on and do that? Let me How do I press on and do that? Let me How do I press on and do that? Let me give you a couple things. We press on in give you a couple things. We press on in give you a couple things. We press on in this call to sanctification by pursuing this call to sanctification by pursuing this call to sanctification by pursuing Christ. Okay, we pursue. Let me give you Christ. Okay, we pursue. Let me give you Christ. Okay, we pursue. Let me give you some very, uh some very, uh some very, uh uh simple things. It is to have that uh simple things. It is to have that uh simple things. It is to have that relationship with him. When Angie and I relationship with him. When Angie and I relationship with him. When Angie and I got married, I've shared this several got married, I've shared this several got married, I've shared this several times. We got married 38 years ago. We times. We got married 38 years ago. We times. We got married 38 years ago. We had that one one meeting with the pastor had that one one meeting with the pastor had that one one meeting with the pastor for marriage counseling, and that's for marriage counseling, and that's for marriage counseling, and that's where he said those famous words, you where he said those famous words, you where he said those famous words, you know, asked me, "Do you love her?" And I know, asked me, "Do you love her?" And I know, asked me, "Do you love her?" And I said, "Yes." And he said, "No, you're said, "Yes." And he said, "No, you're said, "Yes." And he said, "No, you're infatuated with her." And I shared it infatuated with her." And I shared it infatuated with her." And I shared it with I didn't know what the word meant. with I didn't know what the word meant. with I didn't know what the word meant. But, he told me, he said, "You're going But, he told me, he said, "You're going But, he told me, he said, "You're going to love her more a year from now than to love her more a year from now than to love her more a year from now than you love her now." you love her now." you love her now." And I, you know, I remember thinking, And I, you know, I remember thinking, And I, you know, I remember thinking, "That's not possible cuz I'm in love "That's not possible cuz I'm in love "That's not possible cuz I'm in love with her." Well, he was exactly true. I with her." Well, he was exactly true. I with her." Well, he was exactly true. I love her more now than I did 38 years love her more now than I did 38 years love her more now than I did 38 years ago. Why is that? Cuz we have a ago. Why is that? Cuz we have a ago. Why is that? Cuz we have a relationship with each other. relationship with each other. relationship with each other. And you know what? That that And you know what? That that And you know what? That that relationship, it's active. It's not relationship, it's active. It's not relationship, it's active. It's not passive. Sanctification is not passive. passive. Sanctification is not passive. passive. Sanctification is not passive. It's active. When God saves us, he saves It's active. When God saves us, he saves It's active. When God saves us, he saves us to have a relationship with him. Not us to have a relationship with him. Not us to have a relationship with him. Not because we're special, not because we're because we're special, not because we're because we're special, not because we're good. It's by the grace of God. It's good. It's by the grace of God. It's good. It's by the grace of God. It's about having a relationship. So, we are about having a relationship. So, we are about having a relationship. So, we are to pursue him. Well, how do you do that? to pursue him. Well, how do you do that? to pursue him. Well, how do you do that? Spend time in his word, walk with him in Spend time in his word, walk with him in Spend time in his word, walk with him in prayer, worship him, depend on the Holy prayer, worship him, depend on the Holy prayer, worship him, depend on the Holy Spirit. Just very simple, basic the walk Spirit. Just very simple, basic the walk Spirit. Just very simple, basic the walk of Christianity of growing in the Lord of Christianity of growing in the Lord of Christianity of growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. But, also, we pursue Jesus Christ. But, also, we pursue Jesus Christ. But, also, we pursue holiness daily.

holiness daily. holiness daily. Now, we're pressing on by pursuing Now, we're pressing on by pursuing Now, we're pressing on by pursuing holiness. This is responding to God's holiness. This is responding to God's holiness. This is responding to God's call to sanctification. It's not that call to sanctification. It's not that call to sanctification. It's not that I've laid hold of it all yet, but it's I've laid hold of it all yet, but it's I've laid hold of it all yet, but it's laid hold of me and what Christ has for laid hold of me and what Christ has for laid hold of me and what Christ has for this. It's that call to sanctification. this. It's that call to sanctification. this. It's that call to sanctification. We pursue that holiness. It's where we We pursue that holiness. It's where we We pursue that holiness. It's where we uh uh uh it's where we ask ourself a question. it's where we ask ourself a question. it's where we ask ourself a question. What is a sin that we have we need to What is a sin that we have we need to What is a sin that we have we need to die to? Now, don't shout something out, die to? Now, don't shout something out, die to? Now, don't shout something out, okay? That's a private deal. This okay? That's a private deal. This okay? That's a private deal. This There's public sin which affects groups There's public sin which affects groups There's public sin which affects groups of people where there needs to be of people where there needs to be of people where there needs to be confession publicly, you know? It's not confession publicly, you know? It's not confession publicly, you know? It's not where you just air everything in your where you just air everything in your where you just air everything in your life before the public. But, when it life before the public. But, when it life before the public. But, when it affects publicly, it happens, you know, affects publicly, it happens, you know, affects publicly, it happens, you know, it can be public confession. But, it's it can be public confession. But, it's it can be public confession. But, it's private confession. What's a sin you private confession. What's a sin you private confession. What's a sin you need to die to? need to die to? need to die to? Uh Uh Uh I'm the kind I've shared my testimony. I'm the kind I've shared my testimony. I'm the kind I've shared my testimony. So, I could be really good with the good So, I could be really good with the good So, I could be really good with the good before Christ, and I could be really bad before Christ, and I could be really bad before Christ, and I could be really bad with the bad. with the bad. with the bad. Now, I'm still wired up that way. I I'm Now, I'm still wired up that way. I I'm Now, I'm still wired up that way. I I'm a guy if you take a pendulum that a guy if you take a pendulum that a guy if you take a pendulum that swings, I can swing way out here swings, I can swing way out here swings, I can swing way out here somewhere, okay? Or I can swing way this somewhere, okay? Or I can swing way this somewhere, okay? Or I can swing way this way. I have a way. I have a way. I have a I have a fault of not doing very good I have a fault of not doing very good I have a fault of not doing very good being in the middle.

being in the middle. being in the middle. I want to go either way. It's just part I want to go either way. It's just part I want to go either way. It's just part of the flesh. It's how It is how I'm of the flesh. It's how It is how I'm of the flesh. It's how It is how I'm wired up, but it is something I struggle wired up, but it is something I struggle wired up, but it is something I struggle with. So, in fact, I like to work. I can with. So, in fact, I like to work. I can with. So, in fact, I like to work. I can swing way out here. Always to be doing swing way out here. Always to be doing swing way out here. Always to be doing something, you know? So, something, you know? So, something, you know? So, what is a sin that you need to die to? what is a sin that you need to die to? what is a sin that you need to die to? That's a a way to really pursue that That's a a way to really pursue that That's a a way to really pursue that holiness. Sanctification basically is holiness. Sanctification basically is holiness. Sanctification basically is cooperating with what God is doing in cooperating with what God is doing in cooperating with what God is doing in us. What is God doing in you? In the us. What is God doing in you? In the us. What is God doing in you? In the life of believer, cuz see, Paul's being life of believer, cuz see, Paul's being life of believer, cuz see, Paul's being open here about what God is doing in his open here about what God is doing in his open here about what God is doing in his life. Okay? About what's taking place. life. Okay? About what's taking place. life. Okay? About what's taking place. But also, too, you know, you've got to But also, too, you know, you've got to But also, too, you know, you've got to pursue your God-given purpose. This is pursue your God-given purpose. This is pursue your God-given purpose. This is another way. This When we're answering another way. This When we're answering another way. This When we're answering God's call to sanctification, we're God's call to sanctification, we're God's call to sanctification, we're responding to it. We're pressing on for responding to it. We're pressing on for responding to it. We're pressing on for our growth. We have got to pursue that our growth. We have got to pursue that our growth. We have got to pursue that God-given purpose he's given us. Each of God-given purpose he's given us. Each of God-given purpose he's given us. Each of us, as believers, God has given us a us, as believers, God has given us a us, as believers, God has given us a purpose in life. Do you realize as a purpose in life. Do you realize as a purpose in life. Do you realize as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have a spiritual gift? And you can go have a spiritual gift? And you can go have a spiritual gift? And you can go find them in the scripture what they may find them in the scripture what they may find them in the scripture what they may be. May be teaching, may be be. May be teaching, may be be. May be teaching, may be administration, may be something like administration, may be something like administration, may be something like Some of you say, "Well, I have the Some of you say, "Well, I have the Some of you say, "Well, I have the spiritual gift of gab."

spiritual gift of gab." spiritual gift of gab." That is not a spiritual gift. That is not a spiritual gift. That is not a spiritual gift. But I will say that is an ability. But I will say that is an ability. But I will say that is an ability. Now, you say, "Well, well, how can God Now, you say, "Well, well, how can God Now, you say, "Well, well, how can God give me a God-given purpose if I got give me a God-given purpose if I got give me a God-given purpose if I got what I think's a spiritual gift of gab, what I think's a spiritual gift of gab, what I think's a spiritual gift of gab, but Archie says it's ability of gab?" but Archie says it's ability of gab?" but Archie says it's ability of gab?" Well, that means you can talk to Well, that means you can talk to Well, that means you can talk to anybody. anybody. anybody. You know, sometimes folks are real You know, sometimes folks are real You know, sometimes folks are real afraid to talk to people, but someone afraid to talk to people, but someone afraid to talk to people, but someone who has that gift of gab, not a who has that gift of gab, not a who has that gift of gab, not a spiritual gift, but they can spiritual gift, but they can spiritual gift, but they can they have the ability just to they have the ability just to they have the ability just to intermingle, to talk to anybody. And all intermingle, to talk to anybody. And all intermingle, to talk to anybody. And all of a sudden, people just start pouring of a sudden, people just start pouring of a sudden, people just start pouring out what's going on in life. That That out what's going on in life. That That out what's going on in life. That That is a purpose that God has given you. In is a purpose that God has given you. In is a purpose that God has given you. In fact, you may say, "Well, it's just a fact, you may say, "Well, it's just a fact, you may say, "Well, it's just a negative. My you know, my my friends and negative. My you know, my my friends and negative. My you know, my my friends and I talk all the time." Well, find I talk all the time." Well, find I talk all the time." Well, find somebody who's not your friend, make a somebody who's not your friend, make a somebody who's not your friend, make a new friend, and talk all the time. And new friend, and talk all the time. And new friend, and talk all the time. And you can do that, and it can be that you can do that, and it can be that you can do that, and it can be that purpose. Are you fulfilling and are you purpose. Are you fulfilling and are you purpose. Are you fulfilling and are you pursuing that God-given pursuing that God-given pursuing that God-given purpose that he's given you? All of us purpose that he's given you? All of us purpose that he's given you? All of us have spiritual gifts. Some of you have have spiritual gifts. Some of you have have spiritual gifts. Some of you have the spiritual gift of teaching, I the spiritual gift of teaching, I the spiritual gift of teaching, I mentioned that. Preachers can have the mentioned that. Preachers can have the mentioned that. Preachers can have the gift of preaching, which is when you gift of preaching, which is when you gift of preaching, which is when you look in biblical gifts, it can be look in biblical gifts, it can be look in biblical gifts, it can be prophecy. It's not foretelling the prophecy. It's not foretelling the prophecy. It's not foretelling the future, it's black and white thinking, future, it's black and white thinking, future, it's black and white thinking, okay? So, some some refer to it as I do, okay? So, some some refer to it as I do, okay? So, some some refer to it as I do, it's like the gift of preaching or gift it's like the gift of preaching or gift it's like the gift of preaching or gift of teaching. Have a preacher has a gift of teaching. Have a preacher has a gift of teaching. Have a preacher has a gift of teaching. If you are a teacher, of teaching. If you are a teacher, of teaching. If you are a teacher, spiritually gifted, you are evaluating spiritually gifted, you are evaluating spiritually gifted, you are evaluating everything I'm saying and you're everything I'm saying and you're everything I'm saying and you're thinking, thinking, thinking, "If it were me, I think I could do that "If it were me, I think I could do that "If it were me, I think I could do that better." And in fact, I can promise you, better." And in fact, I can promise you, better." And in fact, I can promise you, you could do it better than I'm doing you could do it better than I'm doing you could do it better than I'm doing it. You know, uh it. You know, uh it. You know, uh I always encourage you to take notes. I I always encourage you to take notes. I I always encourage you to take notes. I was in seminary one time and Dr. Adrian was in seminary one time and Dr. Adrian was in seminary one time and Dr. Adrian Rogers was addressing us and you know, I Rogers was addressing us and you know, I Rogers was addressing us and you know, I was intimidated by him, scared to death was intimidated by him, scared to death was intimidated by him, scared to death of him. And someone asked a question, of him. And someone asked a question, of him. And someone asked a question, they said, "Can we preach your they said, "Can we preach your they said, "Can we preach your outlines?"

outlines?" outlines?" And I thought, "I cannot believe that And I thought, "I cannot believe that And I thought, "I cannot believe that guy asked that question." guy asked that question." guy asked that question." And Dr. Rogers made a statement, he And Dr. Rogers made a statement, he And Dr. Rogers made a statement, he said, "If my bullets fit your gun, fire said, "If my bullets fit your gun, fire said, "If my bullets fit your gun, fire away, boy." That's what he said. He away, boy." That's what he said. He away, boy." That's what he said. He called us preacher boys. He said, called us preacher boys. He said, called us preacher boys. He said, "Preacher boys, if my bullets fit your "Preacher boys, if my bullets fit your "Preacher boys, if my bullets fit your gun, fire away." Now, you know, I gun, fire away." Now, you know, I gun, fire away." Now, you know, I thought about that and that you may have thought about that and that you may have thought about that and that you may have that gift of teaching, but my question that gift of teaching, but my question that gift of teaching, but my question is, are you answering and you're is, are you answering and you're is, are you answering and you're pursuing God's given God's purpose that pursuing God's given God's purpose that pursuing God's given God's purpose that he has given you in life just using that he has given you in life just using that he has given you in life just using that spiritual gift? We all have that. God spiritual gift? We all have that. God spiritual gift? We all have that. God has created When God comes in that has created When God comes in that has created When God comes in that relationship with us, we are saved, we relationship with us, we are saved, we relationship with us, we are saved, we have a purpose in our life. I'm just have a purpose in our life. I'm just have a purpose in our life. I'm just asking you to respond to that call to asking you to respond to that call to asking you to respond to that call to sanctification by answering, "Are you sanctification by answering, "Are you sanctification by answering, "Are you fulfilling God's given purpose that's in fulfilling God's given purpose that's in fulfilling God's given purpose that's in your life?" I believe this is what Paul your life?" I believe this is what Paul your life?" I believe this is what Paul has at point out. He said, "Not that I has at point out. He said, "Not that I has at point out. He said, "Not that I you know, that I may lay hold of that you know, that I may lay hold of that you know, that I may lay hold of that which Christ has laid hold of me in which Christ has laid hold of me in which Christ has laid hold of me in regard to that." So, again, we respond regard to that." So, again, we respond regard to that." So, again, we respond in that way. Now, here's the second part in that way. Now, here's the second part in that way. Now, here's the second part of this. We press on for this goal, of this. We press on for this goal, of this. We press on for this goal, okay? So, Paul mentions all this, he's okay? So, Paul mentions all this, he's okay? So, Paul mentions all this, he's saying we press on for growth, that call saying we press on for growth, that call saying we press on for growth, that call to sanctification, to sanctification, to sanctification, evaluating where we are spiritually, evaluating where we are spiritually, evaluating where we are spiritually, what's going on in life, but we press on what's going on in life, but we press on what's going on in life, but we press on for growth. So, Paul next, he says this for growth. So, Paul next, he says this for growth. So, Paul next, he says this in 13, "Brethren, I do not regard myself in 13, "Brethren, I do not regard myself in 13, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as laying hold of yet. I've not crossed as laying hold of yet. I've not crossed as laying hold of yet. I've not crossed the finish line yet. So I haven't laid the finish line yet. So I haven't laid the finish line yet. So I haven't laid hold of all of it, but I am moving hold of all of it, but I am moving hold of all of it, but I am moving forward. But he says this. He says, "One forward. But he says this. He says, "One forward. But he says this. He says, "One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, thing I do, forgetting what lies behind, and I am pressing forward, reaching and I am pressing forward, reaching and I am pressing forward, reaching forward to what lies ahead." Now again, forward to what lies ahead." Now again, forward to what lies ahead." Now again, this is that idea of a runner, you know, this is that idea of a runner, you know, this is that idea of a runner, you know, like a marathon runner on a track or like a marathon runner on a track or like a marathon runner on a track or track, whatever, and they're going track, whatever, and they're going track, whatever, and they're going forward to cross the finish line. So we forward to cross the finish line. So we forward to cross the finish line. So we are to press on to that goal. One thing

are to press on to that goal. One thing are to press on to that goal. One thing I do, leave the past behind. I do, leave the past behind. I do, leave the past behind. What in the world does that mean? Do you What in the world does that mean? Do you What in the world does that mean? Do you know that there is if you it's good to know that there is if you it's good to know that there is if you it's good to remember the past, remember the past, remember the past, but if you let it control you, it will but if you let it control you, it will but if you let it control you, it will kill you. kill you. kill you. Let me say that one more time. It's good Let me say that one more time. It's good Let me say that one more time. It's good to remember the past, but if you let it to remember the past, but if you let it to remember the past, but if you let it control you, it will kill you. So in control you, it will kill you. So in control you, it will kill you. So in fact, many of you have heard my fact, many of you have heard my fact, many of you have heard my testimony. Uh again, bad with the bad. testimony. Uh again, bad with the bad. testimony. Uh again, bad with the bad. Uh tremendous horrific sin uh in uh my Uh tremendous horrific sin uh in uh my Uh tremendous horrific sin uh in uh my life. life. life. Not a photographic memory. I mean, I Not a photographic memory. I mean, I Not a photographic memory. I mean, I can't read something and see it all, but can't read something and see it all, but can't read something and see it all, but very visual, remember every image, very visual, remember every image, very visual, remember every image, remember everything, remember my remember everything, remember my remember everything, remember my birthday at 5 years of age, can visually birthday at 5 years of age, can visually birthday at 5 years of age, can visually Hey, this is has nothing to do with the Hey, this is has nothing to do with the Hey, this is has nothing to do with the sermon, by the way, it's kind of funny. sermon, by the way, it's kind of funny. sermon, by the way, it's kind of funny. I can remember walking in the lot where I can remember walking in the lot where I can remember walking in the lot where I grew up in the house where my parents I grew up in the house where my parents I grew up in the house where my parents still live today, and I was walking still live today, and I was walking still live today, and I was walking around out there, and I was thinking to around out there, and I was thinking to around out there, and I was thinking to myself, I am turning 5 years old today. I can visually see myself that tall. I'm I can visually see myself that tall. I'm turning five, turning five, turning five, and I have arrived. I am grown. 5 years and I have arrived. I am grown. 5 years and I have arrived. I am grown. 5 years old.

old. old. Now, Now, Now, some of you say, "I can't even remember some of you say, "I can't even remember some of you say, "I can't even remember yesterday." yesterday." yesterday." I remember it all. I remember it all. I remember it all. It's haunting. It is. It is. It's haunting. It's haunting. It's haunting. When you got something like that going When you got something like that going When you got something like that going on in your head, you know how many times on in your head, you know how many times on in your head, you know how many times you pray, "Lord, could you just take you pray, "Lord, could you just take you pray, "Lord, could you just take that those memories away from me?" I that those memories away from me?" I that those memories away from me?" I remember good, I remember bad. remember good, I remember bad. remember good, I remember bad. So how do you forget that? Well, So how do you forget that? Well, So how do you forget that? Well, you know, it's not that you forget, you you know, it's not that you forget, you you know, it's not that you forget, you just realize it's in the past. Does just realize it's in the past. Does just realize it's in the past. Does anybody Okay, I'm going to answer anybody Okay, I'm going to answer anybody Okay, I'm going to answer for some of you. I wish I could get a for some of you. I wish I could get a for some of you. I wish I could get a redo. redo. redo. I wish I could go back, but you can't. I wish I could go back, but you can't. I wish I could go back, but you can't. So, maybe maybe not all of you, okay, So, maybe maybe not all of you, okay, So, maybe maybe not all of you, okay, not all of you. Maybe some of you have not all of you. Maybe some of you have not all of you. Maybe some of you have that issue in life. And Paul says, that issue in life. And Paul says, that issue in life. And Paul says, Paul's like, I had people killed. Paul's like, I had people killed. Paul's like, I had people killed. I dragged women and men to prison I dragged women and men to prison I dragged women and men to prison because they were followers of Christ. I because they were followers of Christ. I because they were followers of Christ. I was there when Stephen was stoned. I was there when Stephen was stoned. I was there when Stephen was stoned. I mean, think about that. mean, think about that. mean, think about that. So, he says, forget. How do you Well, So, he says, forget. How do you Well, So, he says, forget. How do you Well, how do you do that? Well, number one is how do you do that? Well, number one is how do you do that? Well, number one is you confess it, okay? Number two, you you confess it, okay? Number two, you you confess it, okay? Number two, you claim 1 John 1:9. If you struggle with claim 1 John 1:9. If you struggle with claim 1 John 1:9. If you struggle with stuff in the past, past sin that you stuff in the past, past sin that you stuff in the past, past sin that you have asked God to forget, claim 1 John have asked God to forget, claim 1 John have asked God to forget, claim 1 John 1:9. Go back, write that verse down. You 1:9. Go back, write that verse down. You 1:9. Go back, write that verse down. You got to memorize it, stick it in your got to memorize it, stick it in your got to memorize it, stick it in your head. You got to forgive yourself, and head. You got to forgive yourself, and head. You got to forgive yourself, and you're going to have to move forward.

you're going to have to move forward. you're going to have to move forward. And when someone comes up and says, I And when someone comes up and says, I And when someone comes up and says, I remember you did this, you just say, remember you did this, you just say, remember you did this, you just say, "Yep, that's right. I did it, but I'm "Yep, that's right. I did it, but I'm "Yep, that's right. I did it, but I'm not the same person I used to be." Come not the same person I used to be." Come not the same person I used to be." Come on. Amen. So, it's not that like you on. Amen. So, it's not that like you on. Amen. So, it's not that like you don't like Well, yeah, it wasn't a big don't like Well, yeah, it wasn't a big don't like Well, yeah, it wasn't a big deal. No, it was a big deal. deal. No, it was a big deal. deal. No, it was a big deal. But I'm moving forward. That's one. But I'm moving forward. That's one. But I'm moving forward. That's one. And the same thing can happen. You can And the same thing can happen. You can And the same thing can happen. You can be in a church full of people who have be in a church full of people who have be in a church full of people who have confessed faith in Christ, and they'll confessed faith in Christ, and they'll confessed faith in Christ, and they'll be some of the most bitter people, be some of the most bitter people, be some of the most bitter people, unforgiving people, mad at the world unforgiving people, mad at the world unforgiving people, mad at the world folks, and that's not how it should be. folks, and that's not how it should be. folks, and that's not how it should be. And it may be that you're in a situation And it may be that you're in a situation And it may be that you're in a situation someone intentionally hurt you, and someone intentionally hurt you, and someone intentionally hurt you, and they're not going to come apologize to they're not going to come apologize to they're not going to come apologize to you and ask for forgiveness, but you got you and ask for forgiveness, but you got you and ask for forgiveness, but you got to let it go. And so, if you keep to let it go. And so, if you keep to let it go. And so, if you keep looking back at it, then it's going to looking back at it, then it's going to looking back at it, then it's going to control you. And when you're looking control you. And when you're looking control you. And when you're looking back, you're not looking forward. And back, you're not looking forward. And back, you're not looking forward. And that's where you stumble, and that's that's where you stumble, and that's that's where you stumble, and that's where you fall. That's what Paul says, where you fall. That's what Paul says, where you fall. That's what Paul says, what what is behind me, I'm leaving that what what is behind me, I'm leaving that what what is behind me, I'm leaving that behind. But also, too, here's another behind. But also, too, here's another behind. But also, too, here's another thing. It is the spiritual victories of thing. It is the spiritual victories of thing. It is the spiritual victories of the past. Sometimes what you want to do, the past. Sometimes what you want to do, the past. Sometimes what you want to do, you want to live in the present while you want to live in the present while you want to live in the present while remembering and trying to live in the remembering and trying to live in the remembering and trying to live in the past of the spiritual victories. Now, past of the spiritual victories. Now, past of the spiritual victories. Now, there have been A lot of you are like there have been A lot of you are like there have been A lot of you are like me, when you came to faith in Christ, me, when you came to faith in Christ, me, when you came to faith in Christ, there were certain songs, music in the there were certain songs, music in the there were certain songs, music in the church, maybe whatever era it was that church, maybe whatever era it was that church, maybe whatever era it was that are still mean they're mostly tied to me are still mean they're mostly tied to me are still mean they're mostly tied to me today. There's certain preachers for me, today. There's certain preachers for me, today. There's certain preachers for me, James D. Kennedy, Dr. Rogers, Dr. David James D. Kennedy, Dr. Rogers, Dr. David James D. Kennedy, Dr. Rogers, Dr. David Jeremiah. I mean, you could just name Jeremiah. I mean, you could just name Jeremiah. I mean, you could just name all the old guys, some living, some not.

all the old guys, some living, some not. all the old guys, some living, some not. You know, there people had influence. You know, there people had influence. You know, there people had influence. So, there are influencers in music and So, there are influencers in music and So, there are influencers in music and things in the past that are tied to you. things in the past that are tied to you. things in the past that are tied to you. But, Dr. Herring also, who was a But, Dr. Herring also, who was a But, Dr. Herring also, who was a the pastor of the church here, he means the pastor of the church here, he means the pastor of the church here, he means a lot to me. He did. He's gone to be a lot to me. He did. He's gone to be a lot to me. He did. He's gone to be with the Lord, but he was the interim with the Lord, but he was the interim with the Lord, but he was the interim down in Win when I was at different two down in Win when I was at different two down in Win when I was at different two different times, I believe. When I was different times, I believe. When I was different times, I believe. When I was being discipled and growing in the Lord. being discipled and growing in the Lord. being discipled and growing in the Lord. But, I remember I watched a video one But, I remember I watched a video one But, I remember I watched a video one time when when time when when time when when Dr. Herring said, "There will come a day Dr. Herring said, "There will come a day Dr. Herring said, "There will come a day that Central is going to be a mega that Central is going to be a mega that Central is going to be a mega church." He would come out here and pray church." He would come out here and pray church." He would come out here and pray over this property. And he said, over this property. And he said, over this property. And he said, "There's going to be a day when "There's going to be a day when "There's going to be a day when Central's going to be a mega church." Central's going to be a mega church." Central's going to be a mega church." Well, you may not understand what that Well, you may not understand what that Well, you may not understand what that means, but that's kind of what Central means, but that's kind of what Central means, but that's kind of what Central is today. And and God has been so good is today. And and God has been so good is today. And and God has been so good and God has blessed. And and God has and God has blessed. And and God has and God has blessed. And and God has done so much. Now, done so much. Now, done so much. Now, when you're trying to be a better when you're trying to be a better when you're trying to be a better communicator, you try to watch the word communicator, you try to watch the word communicator, you try to watch the word phrases that you use and you don't phrases that you use and you don't phrases that you use and you don't overuse them. Like you're you're not overuse them. Like you're you're not overuse them. Like you're you're not supposed to say, "Let me be honest with supposed to say, "Let me be honest with supposed to say, "Let me be honest with you." you." you." Because the hearer goes, "Weren't you Because the hearer goes, "Weren't you Because the hearer goes, "Weren't you always honest with me? Why would you say always honest with me? Why would you say always honest with me? Why would you say that?" So, sometimes we get hung up. that?" So, sometimes we get hung up. that?" So, sometimes we get hung up. So, I'm going to do something that So, I'm going to do something that So, I'm going to do something that you're not supposed to do. you're not supposed to do. you're not supposed to do. Let me be honest with you.

God has done so much at Central God has done so much at Central and so many good things, I cannot and so many good things, I cannot and so many good things, I cannot remember all of them. Now, you may think, "Is that weird?" Now, you may think, "Is that weird?" Listen to me. God has done so many Some Listen to me. God has done so many Some Listen to me. God has done so many Some of you who are older were here when it of you who are older were here when it of you who are older were here when it was downtown. God has done so many was downtown. God has done so many was downtown. God has done so many amazing things. amazing things. amazing things. Some of you that have been here in the Some of you that have been here in the Some of you that have been here in the last 10 years, God has done so many last 10 years, God has done so many last 10 years, God has done so many amazing things, okay? amazing things, okay? amazing things, okay? But, what Paul says, he says, "You know, But, what Paul says, he says, "You know, But, what Paul says, he says, "You know, you can remember that, you can remember that, you can remember that, but don't dwell on that. but don't dwell on that. but don't dwell on that. Because if you concentrate on that, it Because if you concentrate on that, it Because if you concentrate on that, it begins to control you. You'll try to begins to control you. You'll try to begins to control you. You'll try to live life in the present thinking back live life in the present thinking back live life in the present thinking back about what happened in the past, even about what happened in the past, even about what happened in the past, even though it's good and it's successful." though it's good and it's successful." though it's good and it's successful." Paul says, "What is behind me is behind Paul says, "What is behind me is behind Paul says, "What is behind me is behind me, but I am reaching forward. me, but I am reaching forward. me, but I am reaching forward. I am moving forward." So, whether if I am moving forward." So, whether if I am moving forward." So, whether if it's a simple past that God has forgiven it's a simple past that God has forgiven it's a simple past that God has forgiven you of, but it maybe still haunts you, you of, but it maybe still haunts you, you of, but it maybe still haunts you, dwells, you know, try to help you kind dwells, you know, try to help you kind dwells, you know, try to help you kind of figure out how to move past it, you of figure out how to move past it, you of figure out how to move past it, you got to go forward. Whether if it's got to go forward. Whether if it's got to go forward. Whether if it's someone hurt you, your believer, there's someone hurt you, your believer, there's someone hurt you, your believer, there's been a grudge, there's been bitterness, been a grudge, there's been bitterness, been a grudge, there's been bitterness, all this stuff, they're not ever going all this stuff, they're not ever going all this stuff, they're not ever going to come apologize to you, not going to to come apologize to you, not going to to come apologize to you, not going to ever ask your forgiveness unless ever ask your forgiveness unless ever ask your forgiveness unless the Lord gets a hold of them, you're the Lord gets a hold of them, you're the Lord gets a hold of them, you're going to have to move forward, okay? You going to have to move forward, okay? You going to have to move forward, okay? You can't just dwell on that and can't just dwell on that and can't just dwell on that and concentrate. Whether it's successes of concentrate. Whether it's successes of concentrate. Whether it's successes of the past, you know, to the point you get the past, you know, to the point you get the past, you know, to the point you get you think you've arrived, you can't do you think you've arrived, you can't do you think you've arrived, you can't do that. Paul says, "Whatever lies behind that. Paul says, "Whatever lies behind that. Paul says, "Whatever lies behind me is behind, but I am reaching forward me is behind, but I am reaching forward me is behind, but I am reaching forward to the the upward call of God in Christ to the the upward call of God in Christ to the the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I'm I'm reaching forward. I'm Jesus." I'm I'm reaching forward. I'm Jesus." I'm I'm reaching forward. I'm straining across the line. It's like, "I straining across the line. It's like, "I straining across the line. It's like, "I want to I want to gain that prize one want to I want to gain that prize one want to I want to gain that prize one day. I want to enter into heaven where day. I want to enter into heaven where day. I want to enter into heaven where the Lord Jesus says, 'Well done, good the Lord Jesus says, 'Well done, good the Lord Jesus says, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'" I don't want to and faithful servant.'" I don't want to and faithful servant.'" I don't want to rest in the accolades of the past or the rest in the accolades of the past or the rest in the accolades of the past or the applause of the past. I don't want to

applause of the past. I don't want to applause of the past. I don't want to rest or get caught up in the sin of the rest or get caught up in the sin of the rest or get caught up in the sin of the past and the failures of the past. I past and the failures of the past. I past and the failures of the past. I just want to keep moving forward. You just want to keep moving forward. You just want to keep moving forward. You see, we press on for the goal that the see, we press on for the goal that the see, we press on for the goal that the Lord Jesus Christ has for us. And so, Lord Jesus Christ has for us. And so, Lord Jesus Christ has for us. And so, the point is he says, "I'm going on." He the point is he says, "I'm going on." He the point is he says, "I'm going on." He says to let us basically hold to that says to let us basically hold to that says to let us basically hold to that standard. Have that attitude, okay? If standard. Have that attitude, okay? If standard. Have that attitude, okay? If you don't have it, God's going to give you don't have it, God's going to give you don't have it, God's going to give it to you. Have that attitude, you hold it to you. Have that attitude, you hold it to you. Have that attitude, you hold to that standard, the standard of the to that standard, the standard of the to that standard, the standard of the Lord Jesus Christ. He basically says, Lord Jesus Christ. He basically says, Lord Jesus Christ. He basically says, "Live out what you have learned and what "Live out what you have learned and what "Live out what you have learned and what you know." That's the idea of that. Live you know." That's the idea of that. Live you know." That's the idea of that. Live out what you've learned and what you out what you've learned and what you out what you've learned and what you know. There is a day that is coming for know. There is a day that is coming for know. There is a day that is coming for us where we're going to enter into the us where we're going to enter into the us where we're going to enter into the gates of eternity. How many of you gates of eternity. How many of you gates of eternity. How many of you like coffee? like coffee? like coffee? Oh, yeah, we got some coffee drinkers in Oh, yeah, we got some coffee drinkers in Oh, yeah, we got some coffee drinkers in there. Now, let's be perfectly honest, there. Now, let's be perfectly honest, there. Now, let's be perfectly honest, as we're not supposed to say, but let's as we're not supposed to say, but let's as we're not supposed to say, but let's say it anyway, okay? say it anyway, okay? say it anyway, okay? Uh let's be perfectly honest with each Uh let's be perfectly honest with each Uh let's be perfectly honest with each other. How many of you when you wake up other. How many of you when you wake up other. How many of you when you wake up in the first morning, first in the in the first morning, first in the in the first morning, first in the morning when you get up, that you have morning when you get up, that you have morning when you get up, that you have this desire this desire this desire for that cup of coffee? Anybody out for that cup of coffee? Anybody out for that cup of coffee? Anybody out there? Oh, yeah, we got a Keurig We got there? Oh, yeah, we got a Keurig We got there? Oh, yeah, we got a Keurig We got a new Keurig. We had an old Keurig. You a new Keurig. We had an old Keurig. You a new Keurig. We had an old Keurig. You punch your button take like 20 minutes punch your button take like 20 minutes punch your button take like 20 minutes get a cup of coffee. I hated that thing.

get a cup of coffee. I hated that thing. get a cup of coffee. I hated that thing. Well, anyway, it went out and I told Well, anyway, it went out and I told Well, anyway, it went out and I told Angel said, we got to do something like Angel said, we got to do something like Angel said, we got to do something like today. We got a new and you punch a today. We got a new and you punch a today. We got a new and you punch a button it's automatic starts pouring it button it's automatic starts pouring it button it's automatic starts pouring it out. So, has nothing to do with the out. So, has nothing to do with the out. So, has nothing to do with the message, but message, but message, but when I wake up in the morning, I first when I wake up in the morning, I first when I wake up in the morning, I first thing I do, first thing I do, with my thing I do, first thing I do, with my thing I do, first thing I do, with my pajama bottoms and everything I got on pajama bottoms and everything I got on pajama bottoms and everything I got on here I go. I go in and I get that coffee here I go. I go in and I get that coffee here I go. I go in and I get that coffee going. I'm like, oh, yeah, I love that. going. I'm like, oh, yeah, I love that. going. I'm like, oh, yeah, I love that. I'm going to go be with the Lord. I get I'm going to go be with the Lord. I get I'm going to go be with the Lord. I get excited about a cup of coffee. Ooh. excited about a cup of coffee. Ooh. excited about a cup of coffee. Ooh. Heaven Heaven Heaven and coffee. and coffee. and coffee. The aroma The aroma The aroma of it. of it. of it. Man, for all us coffee drinkers you Man, for all us coffee drinkers you Man, for all us coffee drinkers you it's the heavenly bliss. I mean, so, you it's the heavenly bliss. I mean, so, you it's the heavenly bliss. I mean, so, you might think that's a weird prize you're might think that's a weird prize you're might think that's a weird prize you're thinking about. Oh, yeah, you know. Now, thinking about. Oh, yeah, you know. Now, thinking about. Oh, yeah, you know. Now, streets of gold, streets of gold, streets of gold, no more sickness, no tears, no more sickness, no tears, no more sickness, no tears, no crying, no pain, no crying, no pain, no crying, no pain, none of that anymore. You know, as we go none of that anymore. You know, as we go none of that anymore. You know, as we go on this invitation for many of you as a on this invitation for many of you as a on this invitation for many of you as a believer, it may be today that, you believer, it may be today that, you believer, it may be today that, you know, the Lord is really revealed some know, the Lord is really revealed some know, the Lord is really revealed some stuff that's very simple that you've stuff that's very simple that you've stuff that's very simple that you've forgotten about.

forgotten about. forgotten about. Are you closer to the Lord today than Are you closer to the Lord today than Are you closer to the Lord today than you were a year ago? If the answer to you were a year ago? If the answer to you were a year ago? If the answer to that is no, then that is no, then that is no, then we are not pressing on in our growth. we are not pressing on in our growth. we are not pressing on in our growth. You so, we have a relationship with him You so, we have a relationship with him You so, we have a relationship with him as a believer. as a believer. as a believer. And if you were in marriage counseling And if you were in marriage counseling And if you were in marriage counseling and you're not communicating with your and you're not communicating with your and you're not communicating with your spouse and it's not going very well, spouse and it's not going very well, spouse and it's not going very well, we'd say there's an issue. we'd say there's an issue. we'd say there's an issue. Well, is your relationship with the Well, is your relationship with the Well, is your relationship with the Lord, how is that going? Is there a Lord, how is that going? Is there a Lord, how is that going? Is there a hunger for his word? Are you using your hunger for his word? Are you using your hunger for his word? Are you using your God-given gifts for the purpose he's God-given gifts for the purpose he's God-given gifts for the purpose he's given? Each of us as believers have a given? Each of us as believers have a given? Each of us as believers have a purpose in our life. It doesn't mean purpose in our life. It doesn't mean purpose in our life. It doesn't mean that your purpose is to be a preacher or that your purpose is to be a preacher or that your purpose is to be a preacher or to be a teacher, but your purpose is to to be a teacher, but your purpose is to to be a teacher, but your purpose is to share the good news of Christ. Wherever share the good news of Christ. Wherever share the good news of Christ. Wherever your sphere of influence and and what your sphere of influence and and what your sphere of influence and and what you have, could it be that, you know, you have, could it be that, you know, you have, could it be that, you know, you you we press on cuz that that again you you we press on cuz that that again you you we press on cuz that that again that goal that he has for us uh in our that goal that he has for us uh in our that goal that he has for us uh in our life. So, it may be in this time of life. So, it may be in this time of life. So, it may be in this time of invitation, you may just want to come invitation, you may just want to come invitation, you may just want to come and pray as a believer. Uh you may want and pray as a believer. Uh you may want and pray as a believer. Uh you may want to speak with a pastor, you may have an to speak with a pastor, you may have an to speak with a pastor, you may have an issue, something's taking place, and let issue, something's taking place, and let issue, something's taking place, and let a shepherd kind of help shepherd you uh a shepherd kind of help shepherd you uh a shepherd kind of help shepherd you uh along and pray for you. You can do that.

along and pray for you. You can do that. along and pray for you. You can do that. Uh any of us would love to do that for Uh any of us would love to do that for Uh any of us would love to do that for you. you. you. But then also, too, uh But then also, too, uh But then also, too, uh when I I think about Brother Steve when I I think about Brother Steve when I I think about Brother Steve Hagan, Hagan, Hagan, diagnosed with a uh diagnosed with a diagnosed with a uh diagnosed with a diagnosed with a uh diagnosed with a illness, illness, illness, you know, you know, you know, in the life of a church, and I I'm in the life of a church, and I I'm in the life of a church, and I I'm Baptist Central, and I know there's a Baptist Central, and I know there's a Baptist Central, and I know there's a lot of great Bible-believing Bible lot of great Bible-believing Bible lot of great Bible-believing Bible teaching local church, Baptist Central. teaching local church, Baptist Central. teaching local church, Baptist Central. It is a blessing to sit down and to It is a blessing to sit down and to It is a blessing to sit down and to visit with an individual visit with an individual visit with an individual when they are follower Christ, and they when they are follower Christ, and they when they are follower Christ, and they are standing are standing are standing on the steps on the steps on the steps of passing into eternity, of passing into eternity, of passing into eternity, and they tell you, and they tell you, and they tell you, "I'm ready to go be with Jesus." You "I'm ready to go be with Jesus." You "I'm ready to go be with Jesus." You see, all of us going to cross the finish see, all of us going to cross the finish see, all of us going to cross the finish line one day. You're going to cross the line one day. You're going to cross the line one day. You're going to cross the finish line, and you're going to meet finish line, and you're going to meet finish line, and you're going to meet God. God. God. Now, Now, Now, the question is, how's that going to go the question is, how's that going to go the question is, how's that going to go when you meet God? when you meet God? when you meet God? You see, you're going to move forward You see, you're going to move forward You see, you're going to move forward one day. All of us, if Jesus doesn't one day. All of us, if Jesus doesn't one day. All of us, if Jesus doesn't come back, this body's going to expire come back, this body's going to expire come back, this body's going to expire at some point. And so, it's always a at some point. And so, it's always a at some point. And so, it's always a blessing to blessing to blessing to to be with someone who's a believer in to be with someone who's a believer in to be with someone who's a believer in Christ, they're standing on that step.

Christ, they're standing on that step. Christ, they're standing on that step. They know that unless God does a They know that unless God does a They know that unless God does a supernatural miracle, their days are supernatural miracle, their days are supernatural miracle, their days are numbered, as all of our days are numbered, as all of our days are numbered, as all of our days are numbered. numbered. numbered. And they're going to step into eternity. And they're going to step into eternity. And they're going to step into eternity. It's also good for, even though it's a It's also good for, even though it's a It's also good for, even though it's a time of grieving and it's a time of time of grieving and it's a time of time of grieving and it's a time of loss, and you got family members who are loss, and you got family members who are loss, and you got family members who are believers, but they don't want to see believers, but they don't want to see believers, but they don't want to see their loved one suffer anymore, and they their loved one suffer anymore, and they their loved one suffer anymore, and they know that their loved one's going to go know that their loved one's going to go know that their loved one's going to go be with Christ. And so, it's really a be with Christ. And so, it's really a be with Christ. And so, it's really a blessing to sit out and you even have a blessing to sit out and you even have a blessing to sit out and you even have a family family family that is preparing for that day to come, that is preparing for that day to come, that is preparing for that day to come, and the funeral service and that. That and the funeral service and that. That and the funeral service and that. That That is a blessing to have that. That is a blessing to have that. That is a blessing to have that. And that there is no fear And that there is no fear And that there is no fear of death. of death. of death. There is a missionary that is really There is a missionary that is really There is a missionary that is really known as uh one of the first Baptist known as uh one of the first Baptist known as uh one of the first Baptist missionaries, Adoniram Judson, that missionaries, Adoniram Judson, that missionaries, Adoniram Judson, that was in Burma, I believe, for almost 40 was in Burma, I believe, for almost 40 was in Burma, I believe, for almost 40 years and translated the Bible Burmese years and translated the Bible Burmese years and translated the Bible Burmese and did that. And that's a big deal, if and did that. And that's a big deal, if and did that. And that's a big deal, if you don't know translation stuff very you don't know translation stuff very you don't know translation stuff very well, and I don't, but it's a big deal. well, and I don't, but it's a big deal. well, and I don't, but it's a big deal. And did that, a follower of Christ, but And did that, a follower of Christ, but And did that, a follower of Christ, but he was not always a follower of Jesus. he was not always a follower of Jesus. he was not always a follower of Jesus. In fact, history recounts In fact, history recounts In fact, history recounts that Adoniram Judson, when he was at that Adoniram Judson, when he was at that Adoniram Judson, when he was at school, he had a friend named Jacob school, he had a friend named Jacob school, he had a friend named Jacob Eames Eames Eames that was kind of a college roommate, that was kind of a college roommate, that was kind of a college roommate, college friend, and Jacob Eames had college friend, and Jacob Eames had college friend, and Jacob Eames had convinced him to reject Christianity and convinced him to reject Christianity and convinced him to reject Christianity and basically become an atheist. And so, I basically become an atheist. And so, I basically become an atheist. And so, I don't know the timeline of what happened don't know the timeline of what happened don't know the timeline of what happened after school, things that took place, after school, things that took place, after school, things that took place, but but but these historical accounts say that these historical accounts say that these historical accounts say that what happened with Adoniram that he was what happened with Adoniram that he was what happened with Adoniram that he was traveling and he comes across an inn for traveling and he comes across an inn for traveling and he comes across an inn for the night and he goes and addresses the the night and he goes and addresses the the night and he goes and addresses the innkeeper and asks for a room, and the

innkeeper and asks for a room, and the innkeeper and asks for a room, and the innkeeper says, "Well, I only got one innkeeper says, "Well, I only got one innkeeper says, "Well, I only got one room that's left." He said, "It's next room that's left." He said, "It's next room that's left." He said, "It's next to a dying man." to a dying man." to a dying man." He says, "Probably not going to make it He says, "Probably not going to make it He says, "Probably not going to make it through the night. He's really sick." through the night. He's really sick." through the night. He's really sick." And he said, "Well, it's late and I need And he said, "Well, it's late and I need And he said, "Well, it's late and I need a place to stay." He said, "I'll be a place to stay." He said, "I'll be a place to stay." He said, "I'll be okay." And the story goes for us that okay." And the story goes for us that okay." And the story goes for us that Adoniram Judson, as he sat in that room, Adoniram Judson, as he sat in that room, Adoniram Judson, as he sat in that room, he could hear the cries. He could hear he could hear the cries. He could hear he could hear the cries. He could hear the fear. the fear. the fear. He could hear the emotion of a man who He could hear the emotion of a man who He could hear the emotion of a man who was dying, who was afraid to die, was dying, who was afraid to die, was dying, who was afraid to die, and it was agonizing. And the story and it was agonizing. And the story and it was agonizing. And the story holds that as he lay there in the bed, holds that as he lay there in the bed, holds that as he lay there in the bed, because you can imagine, this is a long because you can imagine, this is a long because you can imagine, this is a long time ago, it's very thin walls, that he time ago, it's very thin walls, that he time ago, it's very thin walls, that he began to ask himself a question. He began to ask himself a question. He began to ask himself a question. He said, "If God is not real, why is there said, "If God is not real, why is there said, "If God is not real, why is there such a fear of death? And if an atheist, such a fear of death? And if an atheist, such a fear of death? And if an atheist, why, you know, if I'm an atheist and all why, you know, if I'm an atheist and all why, you know, if I'm an atheist and all this is going on, why do I feel the way this is going on, why do I feel the way this is going on, why do I feel the way that I feel?" And, you know, the story that I feel?" And, you know, the story that I feel?" And, you know, the story says he just spent all time night that says he just spent all time night that says he just spent all time night that that night just wrestling and listening that night just wrestling and listening that night just wrestling and listening to this dying man that was next door to to this dying man that was next door to to this dying man that was next door to him. him. him. Well, he finally goes to sleep. Next Well, he finally goes to sleep. Next Well, he finally goes to sleep. Next morning, he gets up, he goes to to see morning, he gets up, he goes to to see morning, he gets up, he goes to to see the innkeeper and to pay and whatever. the innkeeper and to pay and whatever. the innkeeper and to pay and whatever. And he asks the innkeeper, he said, uh And he asks the innkeeper, he said, uh And he asks the innkeeper, he said, uh he He "What happened to the man next to he He "What happened to the man next to he He "What happened to the man next to me?" He said, "Well, he died last me?" He said, "Well, he died last me?" He said, "Well, he died last night." He said, "What was his name?"

night." He said, "What was his name?" night." He said, "What was his name?" The story historical account said his The story historical account said his The story historical account said his name was Jacob Eames. name was Jacob Eames. name was Jacob Eames. The same college roommate who had The same college roommate who had The same college roommate who had convinced Adoniram to convinced Adoniram to convinced Adoniram to reject Christ. reject Christ. reject Christ. Did not know it next door to his friend Did not know it next door to his friend Did not know it next door to his friend who was dying. who was dying. who was dying. And he gives his life to Christ and goes And he gives his life to Christ and goes And he gives his life to Christ and goes on and becomes one of the great on and becomes one of the great on and becomes one of the great missionaries of the time. The fear of death grips people. The fear of death grips people. But for those who are followers of But for those who are followers of But for those who are followers of Christ, Christ, Christ, it's not the end, it's just the it's not the end, it's just the it's not the end, it's just the beginning. You see, in the life of the church, you You see, in the life of the church, you may be here may be here may be here today and the idea of death today and the idea of death today and the idea of death is fearful. is fearful. is fearful. Because you don't know Because you don't know Because you don't know what's going to happen. There's what's going to happen. There's what's going to happen. There's something within that says, "Hey, you something within that says, "Hey, you something within that says, "Hey, you know, know, know, Archie's right. We're all going to cross Archie's right. We're all going to cross Archie's right. We're all going to cross this finish line one day this finish line one day this finish line one day and I don't know what's going to happen and I don't know what's going to happen and I don't know what's going to happen to me." And you need to understand this to me." And you need to understand this to me." And you need to understand this very quickly in 2 minutes. It's by the very quickly in 2 minutes. It's by the very quickly in 2 minutes. It's by the divine providence of God that you are divine providence of God that you are divine providence of God that you are here today.

here today. here today. And so, there is a decision that you're And so, there is a decision that you're And so, there is a decision that you're about to make in your mind about to make in your mind about to make in your mind in the next 60 seconds. in the next 60 seconds. in the next 60 seconds. Jesus Christ paid the price at Calvary Jesus Christ paid the price at Calvary Jesus Christ paid the price at Calvary for your sins for your sins for your sins because he loves you. You say, "Well, because he loves you. You say, "Well, because he loves you. You say, "Well, there's nothing special about me." there's nothing special about me." there's nothing special about me." You're exactly right. There's nothing You're exactly right. There's nothing You're exactly right. There's nothing special about any of us. special about any of us. special about any of us. It's his grace and his mercy. It's his grace and his mercy. It's his grace and his mercy. And the Bible tells us that without And the Bible tells us that without And the Bible tells us that without shedding of blood there's no forgiveness shedding of blood there's no forgiveness shedding of blood there's no forgiveness of sin. And the Bible tells us unless we of sin. And the Bible tells us unless we of sin. And the Bible tells us unless we repent, we'll perish. And repent means repent, we'll perish. And repent means repent, we'll perish. And repent means basically say, "Jesus, you're right I'm basically say, "Jesus, you're right I'm basically say, "Jesus, you're right I'm wrong. wrong. wrong. Jesus, I believe you're the son of God. Jesus, I believe you're the son of God. Jesus, I believe you're the son of God. I don't think my mama can save me. I I don't think my mama can save me. I I don't think my mama can save me. I don't think I don't believe Muhammad can don't think I don't believe Muhammad can don't think I don't believe Muhammad can save me. I don't think Buddha can save save me. I don't think Buddha can save save me. I don't think Buddha can save me. Can't nobody save me but you because me. Can't nobody save me but you because me. Can't nobody save me but you because you were the perfect sacrifice on the you were the perfect sacrifice on the you were the perfect sacrifice on the cross and you came out of the grave on cross and you came out of the grave on cross and you came out of the grave on the third day. the third day. the third day. And Lord Jesus, I want to be your And Lord Jesus, I want to be your And Lord Jesus, I want to be your disciple. disciple. disciple. Sir, I repent and I want to follow you. Sir, I repent and I want to follow you. Sir, I repent and I want to follow you. And it's okay to say, "Lord Jesus, I And it's okay to say, "Lord Jesus, I And it's okay to say, "Lord Jesus, I don't understand all that means, but I don't understand all that means, but I don't understand all that means, but I know what my heart is telling me, and I know what my heart is telling me, and I know what my heart is telling me, and I know I want forgiveness of sin, and I know I want forgiveness of sin, and I know I want forgiveness of sin, and I know I'm a sinner, and I don't really know I'm a sinner, and I don't really know I'm a sinner, and I don't really know what it means to be a disciple, but know what it means to be a disciple, but know what it means to be a disciple, but I want to be that. I want to follow you, I want to be that. I want to follow you, I want to be that. I want to follow you, Lord Jesus. And the Bible's very clear, Lord Jesus. And the Bible's very clear, Lord Jesus. And the Bible's very clear, if you call upon him, he'll save you.

if you call upon him, he'll save you. if you call upon him, he'll save you. You see, you're making a decision right You see, you're making a decision right You see, you're making a decision right now. now. now. And no decision is a decision. And no decision is a decision. And no decision is a decision. You see, he's given us victory over You see, he's given us victory over You see, he's given us victory over death. death. death. That's what Paul says. He says, "I am That's what Paul says. He says, "I am That's what Paul says. He says, "I am pressing on pressing on pressing on to the upward call upward call of God in to the upward call upward call of God in to the upward call upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Christ Jesus." Christ Jesus." That prize one day of eternal life. That prize one day of eternal life. That prize one day of eternal life. Don't let him pass you by. He's calling Don't let him pass you by. He's calling Don't let him pass you by. He's calling you today. Answer that call to you today. Answer that call to you today. Answer that call to salvation. Fathers, as we pray across salvation. Fathers, as we pray across salvation. Fathers, as we pray across this room, pray in the name of Jesus, this room, pray in the name of Jesus, this room, pray in the name of Jesus, grateful for today. grateful for today. grateful for today. Lord, grateful for your word. Lord, Lord, as believers here in this invitation, as believers here in this invitation, as believers here in this invitation, there stuff that, you know, we're there stuff that, you know, we're there stuff that, you know, we're dealing with, things we need to repent dealing with, things we need to repent dealing with, things we need to repent of, things we need to get right of. of, things we need to get right of. of, things we need to get right of. Lord, I pray we answer that call, Lord, I pray we answer that call, Lord, I pray we answer that call, whatever that may be. whatever that may be. whatever that may be. It may be that we need to pray for It may be that we need to pray for It may be that we need to pray for friends or family or folks. Lord, I pray friends or family or folks. Lord, I pray friends or family or folks. Lord, I pray that we would do that. Maybe you want to that we would do that. Maybe you want to that we would do that. Maybe you want to talk with a shepherd here, a pastor. talk with a shepherd here, a pastor. talk with a shepherd here, a pastor. Basically, this is a shepherd. Lord, I Basically, this is a shepherd. Lord, I Basically, this is a shepherd. Lord, I pray that under shepherds under you, I pray that under shepherds under you, I pray that under shepherds under you, I pray, Lord, that would take place. But pray, Lord, that would take place. But pray, Lord, that would take place. But Lord, also, too, I I believe it's Lord, Lord, also, too, I I believe it's Lord, Lord, also, too, I I believe it's Lord, there are people who've heard the gospel there are people who've heard the gospel there are people who've heard the gospel hundreds of times, but have never hundreds of times, but have never hundreds of times, but have never responded. Today is that day, Lord.

responded. Today is that day, Lord. responded. Today is that day, Lord. I pray you call someone to yourself I pray you call someone to yourself I pray you call someone to yourself today, and I pray they respond in today, and I pray they respond in today, and I pray they respond in repentance and in faith, trusting in repentance and in faith, trusting in repentance and in faith, trusting in you, Lord Jesus. Pressing on, Lord, you, Lord Jesus. Pressing on, Lord, you, Lord Jesus. Pressing on, Lord, pressing out to that upward call of you, pressing out to that upward call of you, pressing out to that upward call of you, Lord, for your glory and for your honor. Lord, for your glory and for your honor. Lord, for your glory and for your honor. And I pray no one would be ashamed of And I pray no one would be ashamed of And I pray no one would be ashamed of you. I pray they they call upon you, you. I pray they they call upon you, you. I pray they they call upon you, they leave their seat here in just a they leave their seat here in just a they leave their seat here in just a moment and come and tell one of these moment and come and tell one of these moment and come and tell one of these pastors today, "I'm surrendering my life pastors today, "I'm surrendering my life pastors today, "I'm surrendering my life to Christ." It's in your name we pray, to Christ." It's in your name we pray, to Christ." It's in your name we pray, the name of Jesus. [music] the name of Jesus. [music] the name of Jesus. [music] Amen.