Everyday Joy - Stand Firm - Dr. Blake Ligon

Welcome to Central Baptist Parold. Uh my Welcome to Central Baptist Parold. Uh my uh my name is Blake. I'm one of the uh my name is Blake. I'm one of the uh my name is Blake. I'm one of the pastors here on staff and we are so pastors here on staff and we are so pastors here on staff and we are so excited that you're here. If you're excited that you're here. If you're excited that you're here. If you're brand new and you've never been with us, brand new and you've never been with us, brand new and you've never been with us, welcome. And we want to know that you've welcome. And we want to know that you've welcome. And we want to know that you've joined us. And so take a minute, grab joined us. And so take a minute, grab joined us. And so take a minute, grab the card that's there in front of you the card that's there in front of you the card that's there in front of you there in the seat and turn that in after there in the seat and turn that in after there in the seat and turn that in after the service. We want to follow up with the service. We want to follow up with the service. We want to follow up with you and uh see if there's any way that you and uh see if there's any way that you and uh see if there's any way that we can serve you as a church and as a we can serve you as a church and as a we can serve you as a church and as a staff. And welcome to those in the staff. And welcome to those in the staff. And welcome to those in the warehouse this morning as well. Glad you warehouse this morning as well. Glad you warehouse this morning as well. Glad you guys are joining us. and also those who guys are joining us. and also those who guys are joining us. and also those who are joining us online. Couple more are joining us online. Couple more are joining us online. Couple more things I want you to know before we're things I want you to know before we're things I want you to know before we're diving into Philippians chapter 4 is diving into Philippians chapter 4 is diving into Philippians chapter 4 is we've got a tent out in the forer. Maybe we've got a tent out in the forer. Maybe we've got a tent out in the forer. Maybe you saw it. We're not camping. We are re you saw it. We're not camping. We are re you saw it. We're not camping. We are re getting people connected to life groups. getting people connected to life groups. getting people connected to life groups. And so if you have not yet joined a life And so if you have not yet joined a life And so if you have not yet joined a life group, you or your spouse or just you group, you or your spouse or just you group, you or your spouse or just you alone, uh that is a perfect place for alone, uh that is a perfect place for alone, uh that is a perfect place for you to get connected. And I think you to get connected. And I think you to get connected. And I think they're handing out candy as well. So uh they're handing out candy as well. So uh they're handing out candy as well. So uh make sure to do that. And then also, make sure to do that. And then also, make sure to do that. And then also, we've never done this ever in our we've never done this ever in our we've never done this ever in our church's history. Uh but this month, uh church's history. Uh but this month, uh church's history. Uh but this month, uh we are offering two starting points. we are offering two starting points. we are offering two starting points. We've already had the first one, August We've already had the first one, August We've already had the first one, August 2nd, but there's so many people who have 2nd, but there's so many people who have 2nd, but there's so many people who have wanted to join the church in the last wanted to join the church in the last wanted to join the church in the last couple of weeks that we have to add a couple of weeks that we have to add a couple of weeks that we have to add a second starting point August 23rd, next second starting point August 23rd, next second starting point August 23rd, next Sunday. Yeah, that's exciting. At 11:00.

Sunday. Yeah, that's exciting. At 11:00. Sunday. Yeah, that's exciting. At 11:00. Uh so make sure if you are want to learn Uh so make sure if you are want to learn Uh so make sure if you are want to learn more about our church or you're ready to more about our church or you're ready to more about our church or you're ready to join our church family, Starting Point join our church family, Starting Point join our church family, Starting Point is your next step. and that's happening is your next step. and that's happening is your next step. and that's happening next Sunday. Uh, now with that being next Sunday. Uh, now with that being next Sunday. Uh, now with that being said, I want to celebrate something said, I want to celebrate something said, I want to celebrate something personally and you're just going to be personally and you're just going to be personally and you're just going to be here along for the ride, but I think here along for the ride, but I think here along for the ride, but I think that some of you are celebrating this as that some of you are celebrating this as that some of you are celebrating this as well. The thing that I'm celebrating well. The thing that I'm celebrating well. The thing that I'm celebrating right now is that football season is right now is that football season is right now is that football season is just ABOUT HERE and uh I'm excited about just ABOUT HERE and uh I'm excited about just ABOUT HERE and uh I'm excited about it. I get it. Got a few hockey fans in it. I get it. Got a few hockey fans in it. I get it. Got a few hockey fans in the crowd. That's fine. Whatever. Um, the crowd. That's fine. Whatever. Um, the crowd. That's fine. Whatever. Um, but I I've told you guys this before. but I I've told you guys this before. but I I've told you guys this before. Football was a huge part of my life. Uh Football was a huge part of my life. Uh Football was a huge part of my life. Uh I really uh kind of like I told somebody I really uh kind of like I told somebody I really uh kind of like I told somebody yesterday, I can't separate my personal yesterday, I can't separate my personal yesterday, I can't separate my personal disciplehip with football because uh the disciplehip with football because uh the disciplehip with football because uh the most godly guys I know were some of the most godly guys I know were some of the most godly guys I know were some of the coaches. And so super grateful for the coaches. And so super grateful for the coaches. And so super grateful for the sport. And this was a position I want to sport. And this was a position I want to sport. And this was a position I want to highlight a position this morning that I highlight a position this morning that I highlight a position this morning that I think is uh really important. It's going think is uh really important. It's going think is uh really important. It's going to serve us this morning to understand to serve us this morning to understand to serve us this morning to understand what Paul is calling us to. Uh but I what Paul is calling us to. Uh but I what Paul is calling us to. Uh but I played my my first year of football. I played my my first year of football. I played my my first year of football. I was the center. That's the guy who hikes was the center. That's the guy who hikes was the center. That's the guy who hikes the ball. I never played that position the ball. I never played that position the ball. I never played that position ever again. That was the only time I ever again. That was the only time I ever again. That was the only time I ever played on the offensive line. But I ever played on the offensive line. But I ever played on the offensive line. But I always appreciated the offensive line.

always appreciated the offensive line. always appreciated the offensive line. Matter of fact, I've always said that if Matter of fact, I've always said that if Matter of fact, I've always said that if the offensive line is like your the offensive line is like your the offensive line is like your backbone. You don't have a backbone, you backbone. You don't have a backbone, you backbone. You don't have a backbone, you have nothing. Uh you can have an amazing have nothing. Uh you can have an amazing have nothing. Uh you can have an amazing quarterback, phenomenal, world-class quarterback, phenomenal, world-class quarterback, phenomenal, world-class wide receivers and running backs, but if wide receivers and running backs, but if wide receivers and running backs, but if you don't have an offensive line, you you don't have an offensive line, you you don't have an offensive line, you have nothing. And those of you who have nothing. And those of you who have nothing. And those of you who played offensive line, you get that. uh played offensive line, you get that. uh played offensive line, you get that. uh and those um uh anyway, so uh when and those um uh anyway, so uh when and those um uh anyway, so uh when you're talking about an offensive you're talking about an offensive you're talking about an offensive lineman, there's ultimately two things lineman, there's ultimately two things lineman, there's ultimately two things that they're called to do. Two good ones that they're called to do. Two good ones that they're called to do. Two good ones uh any of them who are are great at that uh any of them who are are great at that uh any of them who are are great at that position have to do two things really position have to do two things really position have to do two things really well. And the first is they have to well. And the first is they have to well. And the first is they have to drive block. What drive block ultimately drive block. What drive block ultimately drive block. What drive block ultimately means in its simplest form is they have means in its simplest form is they have means in its simplest form is they have to come off the line of scrimmage and go to come off the line of scrimmage and go to come off the line of scrimmage and go forward. Maybe the guard is pulling and forward. Maybe the guard is pulling and forward. Maybe the guard is pulling and is going to go through a specific hole. is going to go through a specific hole. is going to go through a specific hole. Maybe the court the the tackle is going Maybe the court the the tackle is going Maybe the court the the tackle is going to go get the uh next level which to go get the uh next level which to go get the uh next level which probably potentially be a linebacker. probably potentially be a linebacker. probably potentially be a linebacker. But they are moving forward. They are But they are moving forward. They are But they are moving forward. They are crossing the line of scrimmage and they crossing the line of scrimmage and they crossing the line of scrimmage and they are forging ahead to engage someone on are forging ahead to engage someone on are forging ahead to engage someone on the other side of the ball. That's a the other side of the ball. That's a the other side of the ball. That's a drive block. The second type of blocking drive block. The second type of blocking drive block. The second type of blocking that an offensive lineman has to be able that an offensive lineman has to be able that an offensive lineman has to be able to do is what's called a pass block or to do is what's called a pass block or to do is what's called a pass block or pass blocking. That is the idea where pass blocking. That is the idea where pass blocking. That is the idea where they are not crossing the line of they are not crossing the line of they are not crossing the line of scrimmage but they are backing up a scrimmage but they are backing up a scrimmage but they are backing up a couple of steps and then they're holding couple of steps and then they're holding couple of steps and then they're holding their ground. they are keeping back their ground. they are keeping back their ground. they are keeping back someone engaging them. And so a great someone engaging them. And so a great someone engaging them. And so a great offensive line is able to do both of offensive line is able to do both of offensive line is able to do both of those things really well. Now, those things really well. Now, those things really well. Now, regardless if you like football or not, regardless if you like football or not, regardless if you like football or not, here's why I'm telling this is because here's why I'm telling this is because here's why I'm telling this is because the Christian life, you and I are called the Christian life, you and I are called the Christian life, you and I are called to be in many ways offensive linemen.

to be in many ways offensive linemen. to be in many ways offensive linemen. Because there are seasons where Jesus is Because there are seasons where Jesus is Because there are seasons where Jesus is going to call us to forge ahead, to going to call us to forge ahead, to going to call us to forge ahead, to drive block, to cross the line of drive block, to cross the line of drive block, to cross the line of scrimmage, and to go do something big, scrimmage, and to go do something big, scrimmage, and to go do something big, to step out in faith. Some of you today to step out in faith. Some of you today to step out in faith. Some of you today this morning, God is calling you to do this morning, God is calling you to do this morning, God is calling you to do something big. He's calling you to do something big. He's calling you to do something big. He's calling you to do something new. Whether professionally or something new. Whether professionally or something new. Whether professionally or spiritually, maybe he's calling you to spiritually, maybe he's calling you to spiritually, maybe he's calling you to serve in a certain area. He's calling serve in a certain area. He's calling serve in a certain area. He's calling you to drive block. You're in a season you to drive block. You're in a season you to drive block. You're in a season where he's saying, "Move forward. Move where he's saying, "Move forward. Move where he's saying, "Move forward. Move forward. You're done sitting still. forward. You're done sitting still. forward. You're done sitting still. We're not waiting anymore. It's time for We're not waiting anymore. It's time for We're not waiting anymore. It's time for you to go forward. It's time for you to you to go forward. It's time for you to you to go forward. It's time for you to take that step in faith. It's time for take that step in faith. It's time for take that step in faith. It's time for you to engage what I've called you to you to engage what I've called you to you to engage what I've called you to engage. Drive block." But there's other engage. Drive block." But there's other engage. Drive block." But there's other seasons in the Christian life where seasons in the Christian life where seasons in the Christian life where we're not called to engage. We're not we're not called to engage. We're not we're not called to engage. We're not called to drive block. We're actually called to drive block. We're actually called to drive block. We're actually called to step back and to hold our called to step back and to hold our called to step back and to hold our ground. You see that oftentimes in ground. You see that oftentimes in ground. You see that oftentimes in scripture. This idea that we're going to scripture. This idea that we're going to scripture. This idea that we're going to see today of stand firm, hold your see today of stand firm, hold your see today of stand firm, hold your ground, often said. Paul says it other ground, often said. Paul says it other ground, often said. Paul says it other ways uh throughout the New Testament and ways uh throughout the New Testament and ways uh throughout the New Testament and different places. You know, be rooted different places. You know, be rooted different places. You know, be rooted firmly established. And so, there's firmly established. And so, there's firmly established. And so, there's times where you and I are called to times where you and I are called to times where you and I are called to forge ahead. And there's times where you forge ahead. And there's times where you forge ahead. And there's times where you and I are called to step back, to hold and I are called to step back, to hold and I are called to step back, to hold our ground, to not let an advancement our ground, to not let an advancement our ground, to not let an advancement come in. And often times when we're come in. And often times when we're come in. And often times when we're called to hold our ground, here's here's called to hold our ground, here's here's called to hold our ground, here's here's here's why this is important. Here's here's why this is important. Here's here's why this is important. Here's where we're going today. It's when where we're going today. It's when where we're going today. It's when you're engaged in a battle, when you're you're engaged in a battle, when you're you're engaged in a battle, when you're experiencing hardship, Paul calls us, experiencing hardship, Paul calls us, experiencing hardship, Paul calls us, the Lord calls us to hold our ground, to the Lord calls us to hold our ground, to the Lord calls us to hold our ground, to stand firm. So this morning, we're going stand firm. So this morning, we're going stand firm. So this morning, we're going to look at is how do we stand firm and to look at is how do we stand firm and to look at is how do we stand firm and when should we do it? How can we stand when should we do it? How can we stand when should we do it? How can we stand firm? You may be a season where God's

firm? You may be a season where God's firm? You may be a season where God's calling you to drive block. You may be calling you to drive block. You may be calling you to drive block. You may be in a season where he's calling you to in a season where he's calling you to in a season where he's calling you to stand firm. But you will always be in stand firm. But you will always be in stand firm. But you will always be in one of two things if you're following one of two things if you're following one of two things if you're following Jesus. And so this morning, we're going Jesus. And so this morning, we're going Jesus. And so this morning, we're going to learn from a very practical way. How to learn from a very practical way. How to learn from a very practical way. How you and I can stand firm and not buckle you and I can stand firm and not buckle you and I can stand firm and not buckle under the pressure. When life comes at under the pressure. When life comes at under the pressure. When life comes at us, when the enemy comes at us, how can us, when the enemy comes at us, how can us, when the enemy comes at us, how can you and I stand firm? That's what we're you and I stand firm? That's what we're you and I stand firm? That's what we're going to learn this morning. So, I want going to learn this morning. So, I want going to learn this morning. So, I want to invite you to dive into verse one of to invite you to dive into verse one of to invite you to dive into verse one of Philippians chapter 4 so that we can Philippians chapter 4 so that we can Philippians chapter 4 so that we can learn how we we are to stand firm. learn how we we are to stand firm. learn how we we are to stand firm. Here's what Paul says. Philippians Here's what Paul says. Philippians Here's what Paul says. Philippians chapter 4:1, he says, 'There my beloved chapter 4:1, he says, 'There my beloved chapter 4:1, he says, 'There my beloved brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and crown in this way, stand firm in the crown in this way, stand firm in the crown in this way, stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. We're going to pause Lord, my beloved. We're going to pause Lord, my beloved. We're going to pause right there. We're going to pray right there. We're going to pray right there. We're going to pray together and we're going to dive into together and we're going to dive into together and we're going to dive into the first truth of how you and I can the first truth of how you and I can the first truth of how you and I can stand firm. Father, I lift up this stand firm. Father, I lift up this stand firm. Father, I lift up this morning to you and the last thing the morning to you and the last thing the morning to you and the last thing the people here need is something from people here need is something from people here need is something from Blake, from me. God, they need a word Blake, from me. God, they need a word Blake, from me. God, they need a word from you. And so I pray this morning from you. And so I pray this morning from you. And so I pray this morning that your truth, your word, and your that your truth, your word, and your that your truth, your word, and your spirit would meet people right where spirit would meet people right where spirit would meet people right where they are. That you would say things they are. That you would say things they are. That you would say things that, Lord, they need to hear. And that that, Lord, they need to hear. And that that, Lord, they need to hear. And that only they know that they need to hear. I only they know that they need to hear. I only they know that they need to hear. I don't know it, but you do. And so, don't know it, but you do. And so, don't know it, but you do. And so, Father, I pray this morning that your Father, I pray this morning that your Father, I pray this morning that your church would be equipped and matured for church would be equipped and matured for church would be equipped and matured for every good work this morning. And every good work this morning. And every good work this morning. And father, for those here who don't know father, for those here who don't know father, for those here who don't know Christ and they're here, Lord, we praise Christ and they're here, Lord, we praise Christ and they're here, Lord, we praise praise you that they're here. Father, I praise you that they're here. Father, I praise you that they're here. Father, I pray that today would be the day where

pray that today would be the day where pray that today would be the day where they bow their knee to Jesus in they bow their knee to Jesus in they bow their knee to Jesus in repentance and faith and they're saved. repentance and faith and they're saved. repentance and faith and they're saved. God, what a tragedy it would be for God, what a tragedy it would be for God, what a tragedy it would be for someone to come here and hear a sermon someone to come here and hear a sermon someone to come here and hear a sermon and maybe sing a song but leave here and maybe sing a song but leave here and maybe sing a song but leave here lost. And so God, I pray that today lost. And so God, I pray that today lost. And so God, I pray that today would be the day of someone's salvation would be the day of someone's salvation would be the day of someone's salvation in Jesus name. Amen. Here's the first in Jesus name. Amen. Here's the first in Jesus name. Amen. Here's the first truth we see this morning in verse one. truth we see this morning in verse one. truth we see this morning in verse one. is very simple and it's right out of the is very simple and it's right out of the is very simple and it's right out of the text. But Paul is telling us and this is text. But Paul is telling us and this is text. But Paul is telling us and this is kind of serving as the thesis for the kind of serving as the thesis for the kind of serving as the thesis for the next two weeks of sermons. But he next two weeks of sermons. But he next two weeks of sermons. But he ultimately is saying first, if you and I ultimately is saying first, if you and I ultimately is saying first, if you and I need to stand firm, we need to stand need to stand firm, we need to stand need to stand firm, we need to stand firm. This next phrase in the Lord. In firm. This next phrase in the Lord. In firm. This next phrase in the Lord. In the Lord. Let's hop on the iPad to kind the Lord. Let's hop on the iPad to kind the Lord. Let's hop on the iPad to kind of look and understand what he's talking of look and understand what he's talking of look and understand what he's talking about here. We're going to highlight a about here. We're going to highlight a about here. We're going to highlight a few things. So Paul starts off and he's few things. So Paul starts off and he's few things. So Paul starts off and he's he's addressing these these brothers. he's addressing these these brothers. he's addressing these these brothers. He's addressing specifically the church He's addressing specifically the church He's addressing specifically the church and he's calling them his joy and his and he's calling them his joy and his and he's calling them his joy and his crown. He you can see the love that Paul crown. He you can see the love that Paul crown. He you can see the love that Paul has for them. But here's what he says to has for them. But here's what he says to has for them. But here's what he says to him in this way. Look what he says. him in this way. Look what he says. him in this way. Look what he says. Stand firm in the Lord. Stand firm in Stand firm in the Lord. Stand firm in Stand firm in the Lord. Stand firm in the Lord. That word stand firm in Greek, the Lord. That word stand firm in Greek, the Lord. That word stand firm in Greek, remember he's writing to Roman soldiers. remember he's writing to Roman soldiers. remember he's writing to Roman soldiers. We're going to highlight this here in a We're going to highlight this here in a We're going to highlight this here in a little bit, but that word means little bit, but that word means little bit, but that word means literally hold your ground. Don't literally hold your ground. Don't literally hold your ground. Don't buckle. Don't collapse. Don't fall down.

buckle. Don't collapse. Don't fall down. buckle. Don't collapse. Don't fall down. Stay standing. Stay rooted. That's what Stay standing. Stay rooted. That's what Stay standing. Stay rooted. That's what that word means. And so what Paul's that word means. And so what Paul's that word means. And so what Paul's saying ultimately is hold your ground. saying ultimately is hold your ground. saying ultimately is hold your ground. And he's give you he's going to give us And he's give you he's going to give us And he's give you he's going to give us one very clear way to do that in the one very clear way to do that in the one very clear way to do that in the Lord. What often times happens in our Lord. What often times happens in our Lord. What often times happens in our lives is we try to take on life in our lives is we try to take on life in our lives is we try to take on life in our own strength, in our own power. own strength, in our own power. own strength, in our own power. Specifically, I'm going to talk to men Specifically, I'm going to talk to men Specifically, I'm going to talk to men for a second because that is one of the for a second because that is one of the for a second because that is one of the greatest temptations you and I face is greatest temptations you and I face is greatest temptations you and I face is being able to handle it on our own. I being able to handle it on our own. I being able to handle it on our own. I got this. Paul does not say stand firm got this. Paul does not say stand firm got this. Paul does not say stand firm and then he keeps going. Stand firm in and then he keeps going. Stand firm in and then he keeps going. Stand firm in the Lord. That means do that you trust the Lord. That means do that you trust the Lord. That means do that you trust more in God's power than your own power. more in God's power than your own power. more in God's power than your own power. It means that you trust more in God's It means that you trust more in God's It means that you trust more in God's timing than in your timing. It means timing than in your timing. It means timing than in your timing. It means that you trust God's resources more than that you trust God's resources more than that you trust God's resources more than your own resources. Ultimately, here's your own resources. Ultimately, here's your own resources. Ultimately, here's what it means to what Paul's ultimately what it means to what Paul's ultimately what it means to what Paul's ultimately saying here. How you and I can stand saying here. How you and I can stand saying here. How you and I can stand firm in the Lord is that you and I are firm in the Lord is that you and I are firm in the Lord is that you and I are called called called to make Christ greater than our to make Christ greater than our to make Christ greater than our circumstances.

Because what often times happens is Because what often times happens is these get really loud and they determine these get really loud and they determine these get really loud and they determine our lives. If things are going good, our lives. If things are going good, our lives. If things are going good, we're happy. If things are going bad, we're happy. If things are going bad, we're happy. If things are going bad, we're sad. We're mad. We're frustrated. we're sad. We're mad. We're frustrated. we're sad. We're mad. We're frustrated. And what Paul's saying here is because And what Paul's saying here is because And what Paul's saying here is because he's remember he's talking to people he's remember he's talking to people he's remember he's talking to people from prison and he's talking to people from prison and he's talking to people from prison and he's talking to people that are going through hard things. He's that are going through hard things. He's that are going through hard things. He's saying, "Hey, look, stand firm in the saying, "Hey, look, stand firm in the saying, "Hey, look, stand firm in the Lord. Make Jesus bigger than your Lord. Make Jesus bigger than your Lord. Make Jesus bigger than your problems." I've heard an old preacher problems." I've heard an old preacher problems." I've heard an old preacher say this. It's kind of cheesy, but it's say this. It's kind of cheesy, but it's say this. It's kind of cheesy, but it's true. true. true. Don't always tell God about your problem Don't always tell God about your problem Don't always tell God about your problem or how tell God how big your problem is. or how tell God how big your problem is. or how tell God how big your problem is. Tell your problem how big God is. Let me Tell your problem how big God is. Let me Tell your problem how big God is. Let me say that again cuz I butchered it the say that again cuz I butchered it the say that again cuz I butchered it the first time. Okay. first time. Okay. first time. Okay. Don't tell God how big your problem is. Don't tell God how big your problem is. Don't tell God how big your problem is. OH, GOD. NO, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING OH, GOD. NO, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING OH, GOD. NO, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO. Why don't you go back and tell TO DO. Why don't you go back and tell TO DO. Why don't you go back and tell your problem how big God is? See, often your problem how big God is? See, often your problem how big God is? See, often times when we get in the flesh, when we times when we get in the flesh, when we times when we get in the flesh, when we just get in our worlds, we make our just get in our worlds, we make our just get in our worlds, we make our problems so much bigger than God. Oh, he problems so much bigger than God. Oh, he problems so much bigger than God. Oh, he can't handle this. Or often times we can't handle this. Or often times we can't handle this. Or often times we don't think God can't handle it. Often don't think God can't handle it. Often don't think God can't handle it. Often times we're like the dad in the New times we're like the dad in the New times we're like the dad in the New Testament who says, "I believe. Help my Testament who says, "I believe. Help my Testament who says, "I believe. Help my unbelief." What we ultimately say a lot unbelief." What we ultimately say a lot unbelief." What we ultimately say a lot of times when we make our circumstances of times when we make our circumstances of times when we make our circumstances bigger than God is we're ultimately bigger than God is we're ultimately bigger than God is we're ultimately saying, "God, I know you you don't have saying, "God, I know you you don't have saying, "God, I know you you don't have time to deal with this. I'll handle this time to deal with this. I'll handle this time to deal with this. I'll handle this on my own." A lot of men do that. They on my own." A lot of men do that. They on my own." A lot of men do that. They don't give God what's going on in their don't give God what's going on in their don't give God what's going on in their lives because they think, "Hey, God lives because they think, "Hey, God lives because they think, "Hey, God God's got God's too busy.

God's got God's too busy. God's got God's too busy. He's not too busy." And so what Paul's He's not too busy." And so what Paul's He's not too busy." And so what Paul's ultimately saying is, "Hey, whatever ultimately saying is, "Hey, whatever ultimately saying is, "Hey, whatever you're going through, whatever's coming you're going through, whatever's coming you're going through, whatever's coming at you, the way that you stand firm is at you, the way that you stand firm is at you, the way that you stand firm is that you stand firm in the Lord. You that you stand firm in the Lord. You that you stand firm in the Lord. You make Jesus bigger than your make Jesus bigger than your make Jesus bigger than your circumstances. You make God bigger than circumstances. You make God bigger than circumstances. You make God bigger than your problems." Some of you are here your problems." Some of you are here your problems." Some of you are here this morning, and I'm being honest. I'm this morning, and I'm being honest. I'm this morning, and I'm being honest. I'm saying this in love. You couldn't even saying this in love. You couldn't even saying this in love. You couldn't even worship this morning because you got worship this morning because you got worship this morning because you got some problems on you just you're locked some problems on you just you're locked some problems on you just you're locked in mentally. You got so many things in mentally. You got so many things in mentally. You got so many things you're thinking about that you could you you're thinking about that you could you you're thinking about that you could you didn't even know what songs we just didn't even know what songs we just didn't even know what songs we just sang. sang. sang. and you're honestly some of you are here and you're honestly some of you are here and you're honestly some of you are here and you're still not paying attention and you're still not paying attention and you're still not paying attention because you're like, "Man, I got this. I because you're like, "Man, I got this. I because you're like, "Man, I got this. I got to do this. What are we going to do got to do this. What are we going to do got to do this. What are we going to do about this? I don't know what we're about this? I don't know what we're about this? I don't know what we're going to do about that." going to do about that." going to do about that." What this passage is literally telling What this passage is literally telling What this passage is literally telling you to do is to make Jesus bigger than you to do is to make Jesus bigger than you to do is to make Jesus bigger than all those things going on in your mind. all those things going on in your mind. all those things going on in your mind. Matter of fact, next week we're going to Matter of fact, next week we're going to Matter of fact, next week we're going to talk about our minds and our thoughts. talk about our minds and our thoughts. talk about our minds and our thoughts. These two weeks are super practical for These two weeks are super practical for These two weeks are super practical for us. us. us. Your circumstances Your circumstances Your circumstances may scare you, but they don't scare may scare you, but they don't scare may scare you, but they don't scare Christ. Now remember, he's talking to Christ. Now remember, he's talking to Christ. Now remember, he's talking to Roman soldiers, retired Roman soldiers. Roman soldiers, retired Roman soldiers. Roman soldiers, retired Roman soldiers. I'm going to throw up a picture for you I'm going to throw up a picture for you I'm going to throw up a picture for you guys uh that makes sense and and and guys uh that makes sense and and and guys uh that makes sense and and and actually I think inspired the imagery uh actually I think inspired the imagery uh actually I think inspired the imagery uh that he's got uh that he uses here about that he's got uh that he uses here about that he's got uh that he uses here about stand firm in the Lord. So whenever the stand firm in the Lord. So whenever the stand firm in the Lord. So whenever the Romans would go to war, okay, they had Romans would go to war, okay, they had Romans would go to war, okay, they had these four individuals as a part of the these four individuals as a part of the these four individuals as a part of the ranks. They were soldiers, but they ranks. They were soldiers, but they ranks. They were soldiers, but they didn't carry weapons. Okay, so let me didn't carry weapons. Okay, so let me didn't carry weapons. Okay, so let me walk through these real quick. The first walk through these real quick. The first walk through these real quick. The first one right here, far left, carrying the one right here, far left, carrying the one right here, far left, carrying the flag, that is the Vexalarius. I don't flag, that is the Vexalarius. I don't flag, that is the Vexalarius. I don't know if I'm saying exactly right, but know if I'm saying exactly right, but know if I'm saying exactly right, but I'm pretty close. Uh the Vexalarius, in I'm pretty close. Uh the Vexalarius, in I'm pretty close. Uh the Vexalarius, in essence, he's carrying the banner of the essence, he's carrying the banner of the essence, he's carrying the banner of the uh group of the battalion. Okay, so that uh group of the battalion. Okay, so that uh group of the battalion. Okay, so that was a part of the march towards an

was a part of the march towards an was a part of the march towards an enemy, towards a conquest quest. That enemy, towards a conquest quest. That enemy, towards a conquest quest. That guy was involved with it. The guy, the guy was involved with it. The guy, the guy was involved with it. The guy, the second guy right there that's got the second guy right there that's got the second guy right there that's got the little horn coming off the top of his little horn coming off the top of his little horn coming off the top of his head, which by the way, this was as head, which by the way, this was as head, which by the way, this was as accurate as they could possibly get that accurate as they could possibly get that accurate as they could possibly get that I could find. Uh they're wearing wolves, I could find. Uh they're wearing wolves, I could find. Uh they're wearing wolves, bears, and lions on their head. That's bears, and lions on their head. That's bears, and lions on their head. That's maybe where the wizard of OD got God got maybe where the wizard of OD got God got maybe where the wizard of OD got God got it right there. Lions, tigers, and it right there. Lions, tigers, and it right there. Lions, tigers, and bears. Anyway, that's crazy. It's like, bears. Anyway, that's crazy. It's like, bears. Anyway, that's crazy. It's like, man, you talking about intimidating man, you talking about intimidating man, you talking about intimidating guy's got a lion on his head. That's guy's got a lion on his head. That's guy's got a lion on his head. That's kind of crazy. Anyway, uh means nothing kind of crazy. Anyway, uh means nothing kind of crazy. Anyway, uh means nothing for you spiritually. Just want to for you spiritually. Just want to for you spiritually. Just want to highlight that. Okay. The next guy is highlight that. Okay. The next guy is highlight that. Okay. The next guy is the cornison. Okay. The cornison was the the cornison. Okay. The cornison was the the cornison. Okay. The cornison was the guy. He's playing the trumpet, right? guy. He's playing the trumpet, right? guy. He's playing the trumpet, right? So, he's like So, he's like So, he's like I'm probably not, but he's playing music I'm probably not, but he's playing music I'm probably not, but he's playing music to kind of like char to motivate them to to kind of like char to motivate them to to kind of like char to motivate them to keep marching forward. Part of the army. keep marching forward. Part of the army. keep marching forward. Part of the army. The last guy there is called the The last guy there is called the The last guy there is called the signifier. He's holding a symbol of signifier. He's holding a symbol of signifier. He's holding a symbol of royalty there. He's reminding these royalty there. He's reminding these royalty there. He's reminding these people, reminding the people of of Rome people, reminding the people of of Rome people, reminding the people of of Rome and the royalty, the ro the emperor. and the royalty, the ro the emperor. and the royalty, the ro the emperor. He's reminding them of this stuff. He's reminding them of this stuff. He's reminding them of this stuff. That's what that's for. But really, I That's what that's for. But really, I That's what that's for. But really, I don't really care so much about those don't really care so much about those don't really care so much about those three because I want to highlight the three because I want to highlight the three because I want to highlight the guy right there in the middle called the guy right there in the middle called the guy right there in the middle called the aquilifer.

aquilifer. aquilifer. The aquilifer. He carries the eagle. The aquilifer. He carries the eagle. The aquilifer. He carries the eagle. That eagle in Roman history was That eagle in Roman history was That eagle in Roman history was extremely extremely extremely important. The entire pride of that important. The entire pride of that important. The entire pride of that Roman army was wrapped up in that eagle Roman army was wrapped up in that eagle Roman army was wrapped up in that eagle right there. And what that guy's job was right there. And what that guy's job was right there. And what that guy's job was was he was called to not engage. They was he was called to not engage. They was he was called to not engage. They didn't wear swords. They didn't have didn't wear swords. They didn't have didn't wear swords. They didn't have shields. Their only job was to hold the shields. Their only job was to hold the shields. Their only job was to hold the eagle. Now, when he held that eagle, eagle. Now, when he held that eagle, eagle. Now, when he held that eagle, that meant that the army was still that meant that the army was still that meant that the army was still standing firm. You've got guys who are standing firm. You've got guys who are standing firm. You've got guys who are fighting, engaged in warfare. They can fighting, engaged in warfare. They can fighting, engaged in warfare. They can look over, see the eagle. the eagle look over, see the eagle. the eagle look over, see the eagle. the eagle hasn't moved and it inspired them. Now, hasn't moved and it inspired them. Now, hasn't moved and it inspired them. Now, if they ever looked up and saw that the if they ever looked up and saw that the if they ever looked up and saw that the eagle had fallen or that the eagle was eagle had fallen or that the eagle was eagle had fallen or that the eagle was retreating, it's like that's not a good retreating, it's like that's not a good retreating, it's like that's not a good sign. Matter of fact, what's interesting sign. Matter of fact, what's interesting sign. Matter of fact, what's interesting about Roman history is that if the the about Roman history is that if the the about Roman history is that if the the guy who was carrying it, the the the guy who was carrying it, the the the guy who was carrying it, the the the Aquilifer, if he died or if he was Aquilifer, if he died or if he was Aquilifer, if he died or if he was struck down, somebody else would take struck down, somebody else would take struck down, somebody else would take all their armor off, they drop their all their armor off, they drop their all their armor off, they drop their their sword and pick it up and still their sword and pick it up and still their sword and pick it up and still hold it. That's how important it was to hold it. That's how important it was to hold it. That's how important it was to them. And so, they're holding this. Now them. And so, they're holding this. Now them. And so, they're holding this. Now remember, Paul's writing to a group of remember, Paul's writing to a group of remember, Paul's writing to a group of Roman retired soldiers, this image of Roman retired soldiers, this image of Roman retired soldiers, this image of stand firm. He's drawing this from this stand firm. He's drawing this from this stand firm. He's drawing this from this type of reality. They would have type of reality. They would have type of reality. They would have understood what it meant to stand firm.

understood what it meant to stand firm. understood what it meant to stand firm. These guys that were holding this eagle, These guys that were holding this eagle, These guys that were holding this eagle, they weren't the most trained. They they weren't the most trained. They they weren't the most trained. They weren't the strongest. They weren't the weren't the strongest. They weren't the weren't the strongest. They weren't the mightiest in battle, but they were mightiest in battle, but they were mightiest in battle, but they were called with one job. Hold the line. And called with one job. Hold the line. And called with one job. Hold the line. And when you hold the line, it inspires an when you hold the line, it inspires an when you hold the line, it inspires an entire army. What Paul is saying here to entire army. What Paul is saying here to entire army. What Paul is saying here to the church is hold the line. The cross the church is hold the line. The cross the church is hold the line. The cross of Christ does not buckle under your of Christ does not buckle under your of Christ does not buckle under your command. Because here's what happens a command. Because here's what happens a command. Because here's what happens a lot of times is when we're in a battle, lot of times is when we're in a battle, lot of times is when we're in a battle, when we're getting engaged, when we're when we're getting engaged, when we're when we're getting engaged, when we're going through hard things, you know what going through hard things, you know what going through hard things, you know what oftenimes we want to do? Drop the eagle oftenimes we want to do? Drop the eagle oftenimes we want to do? Drop the eagle and run. and run. and run. Oh, THIS IS TOO HARD. I CAN'T DO THIS. Oh, THIS IS TOO HARD. I CAN'T DO THIS. Oh, THIS IS TOO HARD. I CAN'T DO THIS. Or we quit. We blame God. And what Or we quit. We blame God. And what Or we quit. We blame God. And what Paul's saying here is the Christian life Paul's saying here is the Christian life Paul's saying here is the Christian life is not absence of hardship. So stand is not absence of hardship. So stand is not absence of hardship. So stand firm. firm. firm. Don't buckle. Hold the line. Not in your Don't buckle. Hold the line. Not in your Don't buckle. Hold the line. Not in your own strength, but in the Lord's. You're own strength, but in the Lord's. You're own strength, but in the Lord's. You're holding the cross of Christ and saying holding the cross of Christ and saying holding the cross of Christ and saying that there is no there is nothing that that there is no there is nothing that that there is no there is nothing that this world can bring at me that is this world can bring at me that is this world can bring at me that is greater than the cross of Jesus Christ.

greater than the cross of Jesus Christ. greater than the cross of Jesus Christ. And because Jesus went through this for And because Jesus went through this for And because Jesus went through this for me, as the old hymn would say, I can me, as the old hymn would say, I can me, as the old hymn would say, I can face tomorrow because he lives. face tomorrow because he lives. face tomorrow because he lives. >> Hold the line. That's what he's calling >> Hold the line. That's what he's calling >> Hold the line. That's what he's calling us to do. Is to stand firm. And now the us to do. Is to stand firm. And now the us to do. Is to stand firm. And now the first way that he uses this to first way that he uses this to first way that he uses this to practically illustrate us standing in practically illustrate us standing in practically illustrate us standing in the Lord is this next passage beginning the Lord is this next passage beginning the Lord is this next passage beginning in verse two. So let's read this in verse two. So let's read this in verse two. So let's read this together to see how we are first called together to see how we are first called together to see how we are first called to stand firm. to stand firm. to stand firm. He says, 'I urge, and these two ladies He says, 'I urge, and these two ladies He says, 'I urge, and these two ladies right here are two names, and I'll be right here are two names, and I'll be right here are two names, and I'll be honest with you guys, I cannot pronounce honest with you guys, I cannot pronounce honest with you guys, I cannot pronounce well. Okay, so we're going to call them well. Okay, so we're going to call them well. Okay, so we're going to call them Doris and Sydney because it's kind of Doris and Sydney because it's kind of Doris and Sydney because it's kind of close. So Doris and Sydney, I urge these close. So Doris and Sydney, I urge these close. So Doris and Sydney, I urge these two ladies, look what he says, to live two ladies, look what he says, to live two ladies, look what he says, to live in harmony in the Lord. There's that in harmony in the Lord. There's that in harmony in the Lord. There's that statement again. We're going to come statement again. We're going to come statement again. We're going to come back to it. Indeed, true companion, the back to it. Indeed, true companion, the back to it. Indeed, true companion, the true companion is the person that he's true companion is the person that he's true companion is the person that he's writing to in the Philippian church. I writing to in the Philippian church. I writing to in the Philippian church. I ask you to help these women who have ask you to help these women who have ask you to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the shared my struggle in the cause of the shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel together with Clement who is gospel together with Clement who is gospel together with Clement who is another worker in the gospel work also another worker in the gospel work also another worker in the gospel work also and the rest of my fellow workers whose and the rest of my fellow workers whose and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. Verse names are in the book of life. Verse names are in the book of life. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Again, four, rejoice in the Lord always. Again, four, rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice. Let your gentle I will say rejoice. Let your gentle I will say rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is spirit be known to all men. The Lord is spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. The second truth that we see right near. The second truth that we see right near. The second truth that we see right here is that not only we called to stand here is that not only we called to stand here is that not only we called to stand firm in the Lord, to hold the line, but firm in the Lord, to hold the line, but firm in the Lord, to hold the line, but the way in which that applies itself the way in which that applies itself the way in which that applies itself first and foremost is that you and I are first and foremost is that you and I are first and foremost is that you and I are called to stand firm in unity. In unity.

called to stand firm in unity. In unity. called to stand firm in unity. In unity. So, here's what's interesting. Paul is So, here's what's interesting. Paul is So, here's what's interesting. Paul is charging the church with this fire up charging the church with this fire up charging the church with this fire up statement. Stand firm in the Lord. And statement. Stand firm in the Lord. And statement. Stand firm in the Lord. And then right after that, he addresses a then right after that, he addresses a then right after that, he addresses a relational conflict. relational conflict. relational conflict. He introduces to us an interpersonal He introduces to us an interpersonal He introduces to us an interpersonal dysfunction. dysfunction. dysfunction. Here's the reality for all of us, myself Here's the reality for all of us, myself Here's the reality for all of us, myself included. We hate conflict. Am I right? included. We hate conflict. Am I right? included. We hate conflict. Am I right? I'd say 99% of the people in this room, I'd say 99% of the people in this room, I'd say 99% of the people in this room, you hate conflict. Having to go to you hate conflict. Having to go to you hate conflict. Having to go to somebody at work when they're doing somebody at work when they're doing somebody at work when they're doing something wrong and and and tell them or something wrong and and and tell them or something wrong and and and tell them or having to go to someone, maybe a having to go to someone, maybe a having to go to someone, maybe a neighbor, and say, "Hey, by the way, neighbor, and say, "Hey, by the way, neighbor, and say, "Hey, by the way, your, you know, dog did this, whatever." your, you know, dog did this, whatever." your, you know, dog did this, whatever." It's like we just not most of us don't It's like we just not most of us don't It's like we just not most of us don't want to. It makes us cringe. Even you me want to. It makes us cringe. Even you me want to. It makes us cringe. Even you me talking about it like you're just like talking about it like you're just like talking about it like you're just like like makes you want to throw up a little like makes you want to throw up a little like makes you want to throw up a little bit. You don't like it. Some of y'all bit. You don't like it. Some of y'all bit. You don't like it. Some of y'all like it. That's awesome. Some of you like it. That's awesome. Some of you like it. That's awesome. Some of you like give me a conflict. I just want like give me a conflict. I just want like give me a conflict. I just want other people's conflict so I can get other people's conflict so I can get other people's conflict so I can get involved in it. I just love it. That's involved in it. I just love it. That's involved in it. I just love it. That's totally fine. That's awesome. Um but he totally fine. That's awesome. Um but he totally fine. That's awesome. Um but he introduces us to a conflict. Two ladies introduces us to a conflict. Two ladies introduces us to a conflict. Two ladies and we don't know what's going on with and we don't know what's going on with and we don't know what's going on with them. We don't know what their issue is.

them. We don't know what their issue is. them. We don't know what their issue is. As a matter of fact, he doesn't address As a matter of fact, he doesn't address As a matter of fact, he doesn't address it because Paul wants us to understand it because Paul wants us to understand it because Paul wants us to understand something. something. something. That standing firm also means standing That standing firm also means standing That standing firm also means standing together. together. together. Standing firm also means standing Standing firm also means standing Standing firm also means standing together. See, he's not just saying that together. See, he's not just saying that together. See, he's not just saying that you individually need to stand firm in you individually need to stand firm in you individually need to stand firm in the Lord. Part of you and I standing the Lord. Part of you and I standing the Lord. Part of you and I standing firm is that we stand firm linked up firm is that we stand firm linked up firm is that we stand firm linked up like those linemen. You don't have one like those linemen. You don't have one like those linemen. You don't have one offensive lineman. If you do, you're in offensive lineman. If you do, you're in offensive lineman. If you do, you're in big trouble, right? You need at least big trouble, right? You need at least big trouble, right? You need at least five of those dudes up front. you. And five of those dudes up front. you. And five of those dudes up front. you. And the church is the same way. He's not the church is the same way. He's not the church is the same way. He's not calling them just to stand firm. He's calling them just to stand firm. He's calling them just to stand firm. He's calling them to stand firm together. calling them to stand firm together. calling them to stand firm together. Together. Here's here's an interesting Together. Here's here's an interesting Together. Here's here's an interesting truth that I want to share with you truth that I want to share with you truth that I want to share with you guys. Being a Christian does not guys. Being a Christian does not guys. Being a Christian does not eliminate conflict. It does not eliminate conflict. It does not eliminate conflict. It does not eliminate conflict. It teaches us how to eliminate conflict. It teaches us how to eliminate conflict. It teaches us how to engage in it. Whether you're a Christian engage in it. Whether you're a Christian engage in it. Whether you're a Christian or not, you will have conflict in your or not, you will have conflict in your or not, you will have conflict in your life. Relational conflict with other life. Relational conflict with other life. Relational conflict with other people. It is coming. You all know it. people. It is coming. You all know it. people. It is coming. You all know it. This isn't new. Nobody in this room is This isn't new. Nobody in this room is This isn't new. Nobody in this room is going, [gasps] going, [gasps] going, [gasps] "What?" "What?" "What?" And being Christians does not foolproof And being Christians does not foolproof And being Christians does not foolproof that we're never going to have conflict.

that we're never going to have conflict. that we're never going to have conflict. That's right. That's right. That's right. >> We are going to have conflict outside >> We are going to have conflict outside >> We are going to have conflict outside the church. We're going to have conflict the church. We're going to have conflict the church. We're going to have conflict inside the church and we're going to inside the church and we're going to inside the church and we're going to have conflict inside of our homes. have conflict inside of our homes. have conflict inside of our homes. Matter of fact, that's oftentimes where Matter of fact, that's oftentimes where Matter of fact, that's oftentimes where it happens the most. And being a it happens the most. And being a it happens the most. And being a Christian doesn't means we're excluded Christian doesn't means we're excluded Christian doesn't means we're excluded from it. It teaches us how to engage in from it. It teaches us how to engage in from it. It teaches us how to engage in it. Because remember, Jesus did not call it. Because remember, Jesus did not call it. Because remember, Jesus did not call you to be a peacekeeper. He called you you to be a peacekeeper. He called you you to be a peacekeeper. He called you to be a peacemaker. Peacekeepers don't to be a peacemaker. Peacekeepers don't to be a peacemaker. Peacekeepers don't say anything. Peacemakers reconcile. say anything. Peacemakers reconcile. say anything. Peacemakers reconcile. We're going to talk through that. So We're going to talk through that. So We're going to talk through that. So what Paul is saying here, we're going to what Paul is saying here, we're going to what Paul is saying here, we're going to hop back on the iPad. He's saying, I hop back on the iPad. He's saying, I hop back on the iPad. He's saying, I urge these two women, Sydney and Doris. urge these two women, Sydney and Doris. urge these two women, Sydney and Doris. Look what he says. What he's urging them Look what he says. What he's urging them Look what he says. What he's urging them for. I live in harmony in the Lord. Now, for. I live in harmony in the Lord. Now, for. I live in harmony in the Lord. Now, here's what's interesting. Paul does not here's what's interesting. Paul does not here's what's interesting. Paul does not address their issue. You know what? He address their issue. You know what? He address their issue. You know what? He addresses their identity. He does not addresses their identity. He does not addresses their identity. He does not address the issue. He doesn't come in as address the issue. He doesn't come in as address the issue. He doesn't come in as a parent and say, "Doris is right. a parent and say, "Doris is right. a parent and say, "Doris is right. Sydney, you're wrong. Figure it out." Sydney, you're wrong. Figure it out." Sydney, you're wrong. Figure it out." Right? Now, if he was addressing a Right? Now, if he was addressing a Right? Now, if he was addressing a husband and a wife, clearly he would husband and a wife, clearly he would husband and a wife, clearly he would address the husband and tell him, address the husband and tell him, address the husband and tell him, "You're wrong, buddy. You need to get "You're wrong, buddy. You need to get "You're wrong, buddy. You need to get this right." Okay, that was a joke. That this right." Okay, that was a joke. That this right." Okay, that was a joke. That didn't land at 8:30 either. That's didn't land at 8:30 either. That's didn't land at 8:30 either. That's amazing. Okay, great. Never do that amazing. Okay, great. Never do that amazing. Okay, great. Never do that again. Never mind.

again. Never mind. again. Never mind. He doesn't He doesn't address the issue. He doesn't He doesn't address the issue. He doesn't He doesn't address the issue. He addresses their identity. Watch what He addresses their identity. Watch what He addresses their identity. Watch what he does. He urges them to agree. And he does. He urges them to agree. And he does. He urges them to agree. And then he reminds them of two things. then he reminds them of two things. then he reminds them of two things. Number one, he reminds them. He says, I Number one, he reminds them. He says, I Number one, he reminds them. He says, I know it hurts. It's awful. [laughter] know it hurts. It's awful. [laughter] know it hurts. It's awful. [laughter] Conflict is hard. He says, "My true Conflict is hard. He says, "My true Conflict is hard. He says, "My true companion urged them and helped these companion urged them and helped these companion urged them and helped these women, watch what he says first, who women, watch what he says first, who women, watch what he says first, who have shared my struggle and the cause of have shared my struggle and the cause of have shared my struggle and the cause of the gospel." And he goes on to call them the gospel." And he goes on to call them the gospel." And he goes on to call them fellow workers. He's reminding these fellow workers. He's reminding these fellow workers. He's reminding these women number one of their identity that women number one of their identity that women number one of their identity that they are number one their work in they are number one their work in they are number one their work in Christ. He's reminding them that they're Christ. He's reminding them that they're Christ. He's reminding them that they're on the same team. That these women on the same team. That these women on the same team. That these women apparently had helped Paul in one or apparently had helped Paul in one or apparently had helped Paul in one or multiple missionary journeys and now multiple missionary journeys and now multiple missionary journeys and now they're in conflict. Which should tell they're in conflict. Which should tell they're in conflict. Which should tell us something that sometimes even doing us something that sometimes even doing us something that sometimes even doing God's stuff will cause us to have God's stuff will cause us to have God's stuff will cause us to have ungodly conflict. Sometimes when we're ungodly conflict. Sometimes when we're ungodly conflict. Sometimes when we're doing the Lord's will, we will enter doing the Lord's will, we will enter doing the Lord's will, we will enter into conflict with other people. And into conflict with other people. And into conflict with other people. And what Paul is reminding them is, "Hey what Paul is reminding them is, "Hey what Paul is reminding them is, "Hey guys, don't forget you're on the same guys, don't forget you're on the same guys, don't forget you're on the same team." It would be as if, imagine this, team." It would be as if, imagine this, team." It would be as if, imagine this, you've seen these movies and and you've seen these movies and and you've seen these movies and and different things before of like soldiers different things before of like soldiers different things before of like soldiers who used to fight in the trenches, who used to fight in the trenches, who used to fight in the trenches, right? So, an army would be in a trench right? So, an army would be in a trench right? So, an army would be in a trench together and then the enemy is on the together and then the enemy is on the together and then the enemy is on the other side of the bunker or whatever other side of the bunker or whatever other side of the bunker or whatever else, like they're on the other side of else, like they're on the other side of else, like they're on the other side of the the plot of land. It would be as if the the plot of land. It would be as if the the plot of land. It would be as if all this army is in the same trench and all this army is in the same trench and all this army is in the same trench and instead of engaging the enemy, they turn instead of engaging the enemy, they turn instead of engaging the enemy, they turn their bayonets and they start going their bayonets and they start going their bayonets and they start going after each other. And Paul's reminding after each other. And Paul's reminding after each other. And Paul's reminding them, hey, because if if if that

them, hey, because if if if that them, hey, because if if if that happened, you'd be like, these guys have happened, you'd be like, these guys have happened, you'd be like, these guys have lost their minds. Like, they've lost their minds. Like, they've lost their minds. Like, they've literally gone crazy because they're literally gone crazy because they're literally gone crazy because they're turning on their own. What Paul's turning on their own. What Paul's turning on their own. What Paul's reminding them is, hey guys, don't reminding them is, hey guys, don't reminding them is, hey guys, don't forget you're in the same trench. You're forget you're in the same trench. You're forget you're in the same trench. You're fighting the same enemy. You're engaged fighting the same enemy. You're engaged fighting the same enemy. You're engaged in the same warfare. And when you and I in the same warfare. And when you and I in the same warfare. And when you and I turn on each other, when we have turn on each other, when we have turn on each other, when we have conflict with each other that we don't conflict with each other that we don't conflict with each other that we don't want to resolve, that is exactly what want to resolve, that is exactly what want to resolve, that is exactly what we're doing. We're taking our bayonet. we're doing. We're taking our bayonet. we're doing. We're taking our bayonet. We're taking whatever the weapon is that We're taking whatever the weapon is that We're taking whatever the weapon is that we're holding and we're turning it and we're holding and we're turning it and we're holding and we're turning it and we're charging at each other. And Paul's we're charging at each other. And Paul's we're charging at each other. And Paul's reminding them, you're fellow workers reminding them, you're fellow workers reminding them, you're fellow workers with Christ. with Christ. with Christ. Listen, I I have to remind myself of Listen, I I have to remind myself of Listen, I I have to remind myself of that and I have to remind our church of that and I have to remind our church of that and I have to remind our church of that because sometimes I see other that because sometimes I see other that because sometimes I see other churches doing that. That that churches churches doing that. That that churches churches doing that. That that churches will take personal convictions or the will take personal convictions or the will take personal convictions or the way they do things as the only way to do way they do things as the only way to do way they do things as the only way to do things. And anybody else who's doing it things. And anybody else who's doing it things. And anybody else who's doing it a little differently than they are, IT'S a little differently than they are, IT'S a little differently than they are, IT'S [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] YOU'RE WRONG. YOUR WORSHIP STYLE IS YOU'RE WRONG. YOUR WORSHIP STYLE IS YOU'RE WRONG. YOUR WORSHIP STYLE IS WRONG. WHAT YOU WEAR ON SUNDAYS IS WRONG. WHAT YOU WEAR ON SUNDAYS IS WRONG. WHAT YOU WEAR ON SUNDAYS IS WRONG. YOUR YOUR DOCTRINE OF THE WRONG. YOUR YOUR DOCTRINE OF THE WRONG. YOUR YOUR DOCTRINE OF THE WHATEVER IS WRONG. AND SO THEY'RE WHATEVER IS WRONG. AND SO THEY'RE WHATEVER IS WRONG. AND SO THEY'RE turning on each other. And Paul's turning on each other. And Paul's turning on each other. And Paul's saying, don't forget whose team you're saying, don't forget whose team you're saying, don't forget whose team you're on.

on. on. >> First, he reminds them of their work in >> First, he reminds them of their work in >> First, he reminds them of their work in the gospel. Second, in regards to their the gospel. Second, in regards to their the gospel. Second, in regards to their identity, he reminds them of their worth identity, he reminds them of their worth identity, he reminds them of their worth in Christ. In the gospel. Look what he in Christ. In the gospel. Look what he in Christ. In the gospel. Look what he says here. Whose names? He's reminding says here. Whose names? He's reminding says here. Whose names? He's reminding them of something. Both of your names them of something. Both of your names them of something. Both of your names are written in the book of life. He's are written in the book of life. He's are written in the book of life. He's saying, Doris and Sydney, both of your saying, Doris and Sydney, both of your saying, Doris and Sydney, both of your names are in the book of life. He's names are in the book of life. He's names are in the book of life. He's reminding them of their identity in reminding them of their identity in reminding them of their identity in Christ. See, a lot of times because the Christ. See, a lot of times because the Christ. See, a lot of times because the American church is so individualized, American church is so individualized, American church is so individualized, like we are so focused, that's why so like we are so focused, that's why so like we are so focused, that's why so many worship songs, and I've told you many worship songs, and I've told you many worship songs, and I've told you guys this before, I don't love this guys this before, I don't love this guys this before, I don't love this about worship songs that many of them about worship songs that many of them about worship songs that many of them use the pronoun me, me, me, me, me. It's use the pronoun me, me, me, me, me. It's use the pronoun me, me, me, me, me. It's all about me. God has done this for me. all about me. God has done this for me. all about me. God has done this for me. God loves me. I'm so grateful for me. God loves me. I'm so grateful for me. God loves me. I'm so grateful for me. And is that true? Yes. But I think we And is that true? Yes. But I think we And is that true? Yes. But I think we should replace a lot of those me with should replace a lot of those me with should replace a lot of those me with us. us. us. >> Because a lot of times we get so focused >> Because a lot of times we get so focused >> Because a lot of times we get so focused on how God loves us and how God has done on how God loves us and how God has done on how God loves us and how God has done this for us. He's forgiven me and and this for us. He's forgiven me and and this for us. He's forgiven me and and God, I'm so grateful for this that we God, I'm so grateful for this that we God, I'm so grateful for this that we forget that he's also given that to our forget that he's also given that to our forget that he's also given that to our neighbor in Christ in this church. And neighbor in Christ in this church. And neighbor in Christ in this church. And so we demonize them. Even if they're so we demonize them. Even if they're so we demonize them. Even if they're wrong, we demonize them. We don't look wrong, we demonize them. We don't look wrong, we demonize them. We don't look at them with the same grace that God at them with the same grace that God at them with the same grace that God looks at them. And what Paul's reminding looks at them. And what Paul's reminding looks at them. And what Paul's reminding them is, hey, both of y'all's names is them is, hey, both of y'all's names is them is, hey, both of y'all's names is in the book of life. Both of y'all are in the book of life. Both of y'all are in the book of life. Both of y'all are coming with me. Both of you are my coming with me. Both of you are my coming with me. Both of you are my children. Parents, do you get this? One children. Parents, do you get this? One children. Parents, do you get this? One of the things I hate the most as a of the things I hate the most as a of the things I hate the most as a father is when I hear my children father is when I hear my children father is when I hear my children fighting. Nothing can break my heart fighting. Nothing can break my heart fighting. Nothing can break my heart faster and make me stinking mad faster faster and make me stinking mad faster faster and make me stinking mad faster than hearing my kids fighting. Y'all

than hearing my kids fighting. Y'all than hearing my kids fighting. Y'all know the feeling, right? You hate that. know the feeling, right? You hate that. know the feeling, right? You hate that. It breaks you and angers you at the same It breaks you and angers you at the same It breaks you and angers you at the same time. And what God is saying is if you time. And what God is saying is if you time. And what God is saying is if you and I feel that way as sinners, how do and I feel that way as sinners, how do and I feel that way as sinners, how do you think he feels when his kids fight you think he feels when his kids fight you think he feels when his kids fight with each other? with each other? with each other? He wants us to reconcile. How breaks his He wants us to reconcile. How breaks his He wants us to reconcile. How breaks his heart. And so he's reminding them not of heart. And so he's reminding them not of heart. And so he's reminding them not of their issue. He's not fixing the issue. their issue. He's not fixing the issue. their issue. He's not fixing the issue. He's not saying, "Okay, you're right. He's not saying, "Okay, you're right. He's not saying, "Okay, you're right. You're wrong." He's reminding them of You're wrong." He's reminding them of You're wrong." He's reminding them of their identity. He's ultimately saying, their identity. He's ultimately saying, their identity. He's ultimately saying, "Hey ladies, you've got to make what "Hey ladies, you've got to make what "Hey ladies, you've got to make what Jesus has done for you greater than what Jesus has done for you greater than what Jesus has done for you greater than what you have done to each other." That's you have done to each other." That's you have done to each other." That's reconciliation. reconciliation. reconciliation. Reconciliation with somebody is making Reconciliation with somebody is making Reconciliation with somebody is making what Christ has done for you greater what Christ has done for you greater what Christ has done for you greater than what divides you. than what divides you. than what divides you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> See, because when we don't want to >> See, because when we don't want to >> See, because when we don't want to reconcile with people, when we want to reconcile with people, when we want to reconcile with people, when we want to resolve issues, we're making what they resolve issues, we're making what they resolve issues, we're making what they did against us, what we did against did against us, what we did against did against us, what we did against them, greater than what Christ did for them, greater than what Christ did for them, greater than what Christ did for us. You and I should be people of us. You and I should be people of us. You and I should be people of forgiveness because we've been forgiven. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> It's a choice to make what unites us >> It's a choice to make what unites us >> It's a choice to make what unites us greater than what divides us. So then he greater than what divides us. So then he greater than what divides us. So then he goes in and he goes in a totally goes in and he goes in a totally goes in and he goes in a totally different direction. It's almost like as different direction. It's almost like as different direction. It's almost like as if like he just like stops right there if like he just like stops right there if like he just like stops right there and it's just like, okay, we're done and it's just like, okay, we're done and it's just like, okay, we're done with that. Now we're going to a new with that. Now we're going to a new with that. Now we're going to a new thing. And it's like, hey, you need to thing. And it's like, hey, you need to thing. And it's like, hey, you need to agree. You need to be unified. REJOICE agree. You need to be unified. REJOICE agree. You need to be unified. REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. And it's like Paul IN THE LORD ALWAYS. And it's like Paul IN THE LORD ALWAYS. And it's like Paul had ADHD. No doubt. It doesn't make had ADHD. No doubt. It doesn't make had ADHD. No doubt. It doesn't make sense. It's like, where is that coming sense. It's like, where is that coming sense. It's like, where is that coming from?

from? from? And even the guys when we was me and And even the guys when we was me and And even the guys when we was me and Pastor Archie and a couple of the other Pastor Archie and a couple of the other Pastor Archie and a couple of the other pastors and we were studying this pastors and we were studying this pastors and we were studying this passage, one of them brought that up and passage, one of them brought that up and passage, one of them brought that up and it was like, "Hey, how are y'all dealing it was like, "Hey, how are y'all dealing it was like, "Hey, how are y'all dealing with verse four?" Because it just is with verse four?" Because it just is with verse four?" Because it just is like, "Hey, y'all agree and live in like, "Hey, y'all agree and live in like, "Hey, y'all agree and live in harmony. Don't forget WHO YOU ARE. harmony. Don't forget WHO YOU ARE. harmony. Don't forget WHO YOU ARE. REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS." AND it's REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS." AND it's REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS." AND it's like, "Okay, all right. Here we go." And like, "Okay, all right. Here we go." And like, "Okay, all right. Here we go." And as we kept studying, kept praying as we kept studying, kept praying as we kept studying, kept praying through and kept processing, here's why through and kept processing, here's why through and kept processing, here's why this is so important. this is so important. this is so important. Because ultimately, think about this. Because ultimately, think about this. Because ultimately, think about this. What do we as believers in Jesus have to What do we as believers in Jesus have to What do we as believers in Jesus have to rejoice in? rejoice in? rejoice in? Ultimately, ultimately it's the grace of Ultimately, ultimately it's the grace of Ultimately, ultimately it's the grace of Christ. Christ. Christ. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That even though we were dead sinners, >> That even though we were dead sinners, >> That even though we were dead sinners, destined for hell and fully deserving of destined for hell and fully deserving of destined for hell and fully deserving of it, God sends his son it, God sends his son it, God sends his son to the cross as a sinless sacrifice for to the cross as a sinless sacrifice for to the cross as a sinless sacrifice for us. us. us. >> He pays for every sin that we've ever >> He pays for every sin that we've ever >> He pays for every sin that we've ever committed and will ever commit. He's committed and will ever commit. He's committed and will ever commit. He's buried and then he's resurrected back to buried and then he's resurrected back to buried and then he's resurrected back to life. And then in his grace, we can life. And then in his grace, we can life. And then in his grace, we can celebrate that, Ethan. And then in his celebrate that, Ethan. And then in his celebrate that, Ethan. And then in his grace grace grace and in a unique part of your story, he and in a unique part of your story, he and in a unique part of your story, he reaches his hand down in grace and says, reaches his hand down in grace and says, reaches his hand down in grace and says, "I love you. I forgive you. Repent and "I love you. I forgive you. Repent and "I love you. I forgive you. Repent and believe and you can be mine." And many believe and you can be mine." And many believe and you can be mine." And many of you in this room have that extension of you in this room have that extension of you in this room have that extension was grace. And that's what we can was grace. And that's what we can was grace. And that's what we can rejoice in. We rejoice in God's grace.

rejoice in. We rejoice in God's grace. rejoice in. We rejoice in God's grace. But watch this. Watch this. I've got a But watch this. Watch this. I've got a But watch this. Watch this. I've got a quote here to bring all this together. quote here to bring all this together. quote here to bring all this together. It's impossible, impossible to rejoice It's impossible, impossible to rejoice It's impossible, impossible to rejoice in God's grace and refuse to give it at in God's grace and refuse to give it at in God's grace and refuse to give it at the same time. the same time. the same time. >> You and I can't sit here in this room >> You and I can't sit here in this room >> You and I can't sit here in this room and say, "Oh, God, thank you for your and say, "Oh, God, thank you for your and say, "Oh, God, thank you for your grace." AND THEN HOLD A GRUDGE AGAINST grace." AND THEN HOLD A GRUDGE AGAINST grace." AND THEN HOLD A GRUDGE AGAINST SOMEBODY ELSE. SOMEBODY ELSE. SOMEBODY ELSE. >> That's one of the greatest forms of >> That's one of the greatest forms of >> That's one of the greatest forms of hypocrisy. hypocrisy. hypocrisy. >> Or honestly, narcissism that God has >> Or honestly, narcissism that God has >> Or honestly, narcissism that God has GIVEN THIS TO ME. ME, I'M SO GRATEFUL GIVEN THIS TO ME. ME, I'M SO GRATEFUL GIVEN THIS TO ME. ME, I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GRACE, BUT I WILL NOT GIVE IT FOR YOUR GRACE, BUT I WILL NOT GIVE IT FOR YOUR GRACE, BUT I WILL NOT GIVE IT TO ANYONE ELSE. TO ANYONE ELSE. TO ANYONE ELSE. You cannot rejoice in God's grace and You cannot rejoice in God's grace and You cannot rejoice in God's grace and then refuse to give it because then the then refuse to give it because then the then refuse to give it because then the latter is true. Grace that stops with latter is true. Grace that stops with latter is true. Grace that stops with you was never fully understood by you. you was never fully understood by you. you was never fully understood by you. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> If you think God's grace was just for >> If you think God's grace was just for >> If you think God's grace was just for you and it doesn't extend to the people you and it doesn't extend to the people you and it doesn't extend to the people around you, you never got God's grace to around you, you never got God's grace to around you, you never got God's grace to begin with. You cannot because remember begin with. You cannot because remember begin with. You cannot because remember grace is a gift. That's by definition grace is a gift. That's by definition grace is a gift. That's by definition grace is the gift of God that you did grace is the gift of God that you did grace is the gift of God that you did not earn and you don't deserve. So you not earn and you don't deserve. So you not earn and you don't deserve. So you can't do enough good things to earn can't do enough good things to earn can't do enough good things to earn God's grace and you definitely don't God's grace and you definitely don't God's grace and you definitely don't deserve it. And so by definition, grace deserve it. And so by definition, grace deserve it. And so by definition, grace is God giving us what we don't deserve.

is God giving us what we don't deserve. is God giving us what we don't deserve. Forgiveness is the same thing. It's us Forgiveness is the same thing. It's us Forgiveness is the same thing. It's us giving to people potentially what they giving to people potentially what they giving to people potentially what they don't deserve. People have wronged you don't deserve. People have wronged you don't deserve. People have wronged you in your life. And I know that I'm not in your life. And I know that I'm not in your life. And I know that I'm not taking away from that. taking away from that. taking away from that. But you as a child of God have the But you as a child of God have the But you as a child of God have the unique ability to give them grace. Why? unique ability to give them grace. Why? unique ability to give them grace. Why? Because you've been given grace. Because you've been given grace. Because you've been given grace. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. If grace stops with you, it you it never If grace stops with you, it you it never If grace stops with you, it you it never was understood by you. And the last was understood by you. And the last was understood by you. And the last truth is this. And ladies, I love you, truth is this. And ladies, I love you, truth is this. And ladies, I love you, but when I wrote this down, I thought but when I wrote this down, I thought but when I wrote this down, I thought about you. about you. about you. I think this is particularly difficult I think this is particularly difficult I think this is particularly difficult sometimes for women, sisters in this sometimes for women, sisters in this sometimes for women, sisters in this room. You cannot celebrate God's grace room. You cannot celebrate God's grace room. You cannot celebrate God's grace towards you while demanding per by while towards you while demanding per by while towards you while demanding per by while demanding perfection from the people demanding perfection from the people demanding perfection from the people around you. around you. around you. Some of you ladies and guys too, it's a Some of you ladies and guys too, it's a Some of you ladies and guys too, it's a guy thing, but I think it's more the guy thing, but I think it's more the guy thing, but I think it's more the ladies in the room. You have such a high ladies in the room. You have such a high ladies in the room. You have such a high standard on yourself and on other standard on yourself and on other standard on yourself and on other people, a perfect standard that every people, a perfect standard that every people, a perfect standard that every time your husband messes up, it is an time your husband messes up, it is an time your husband messes up, it is an absolute dog fight. Because what's absolute dog fight. Because what's absolute dog fight. Because what's ultimately happening in your soul, in my ultimately happening in your soul, in my ultimately happening in your soul, in my opinion, is you have a very small view opinion, is you have a very small view opinion, is you have a very small view of God's grace towards you because of God's grace towards you because of God's grace towards you because you're so self- condemning. You're so you're so self- condemning. You're so you're so self- condemning. You're so hard on yourself that you can't offer it hard on yourself that you can't offer it hard on yourself that you can't offer it to anybody else.

to anybody else. to anybody else. You can't expect perfection from You can't expect perfection from You can't expect perfection from everybody around you and at the same everybody around you and at the same everybody around you and at the same time claim to be a child of grace. So I want to give you three very So I want to give you three very practical and quick steps to reconcile practical and quick steps to reconcile practical and quick steps to reconcile conflict. Before I do, I want to share conflict. Before I do, I want to share conflict. Before I do, I want to share with you something that is incredible with you something that is incredible with you something that is incredible and it's out here on the tables out here and it's out here on the tables out here and it's out here on the tables out here uh at the welcome desk there. It's a uh at the welcome desk there. It's a uh at the welcome desk there. It's a sheet of paper that the International sheet of paper that the International sheet of paper that the International Mission Board, so our Southern Baptist Mission Board, so our Southern Baptist Mission Board, so our Southern Baptist missionary sending agency has created missionary sending agency has created missionary sending agency has created little front and back to help the little front and back to help the little front and back to help the missionaries resolve conflict. It is missionaries resolve conflict. It is missionaries resolve conflict. It is brilliant and biblical. It's so good. If brilliant and biblical. It's so good. If brilliant and biblical. It's so good. If you're going to get one, get one per you're going to get one, get one per you're going to get one, get one per family because I only printed off 200 family because I only printed off 200 family because I only printed off 200 and 8:00 apparently had a lot of and 8:00 apparently had a lot of and 8:00 apparently had a lot of conflict and so uh they grabbed some. Um conflict and so uh they grabbed some. Um conflict and so uh they grabbed some. Um and we can print some more if we need and we can print some more if we need and we can print some more if we need to. We got the printers back here in the to. We got the printers back here in the to. We got the printers back here in the back. Uh, but this is brilliant because back. Uh, but this is brilliant because back. Uh, but this is brilliant because it not only teaches you like how to how it not only teaches you like how to how it not only teaches you like how to how to resolve conflict, but it also helps to resolve conflict, but it also helps to resolve conflict, but it also helps you like what if you've sinned against you like what if you've sinned against you like what if you've sinned against somebody else? What do you need to do? somebody else? What do you need to do? somebody else? What do you need to do? And it kind of gives you a line of And it kind of gives you a line of And it kind of gives you a line of thought there, a biblical line of thought there, a biblical line of thought there, a biblical line of thought. What if someone has sinned thought. What if someone has sinned thought. What if someone has sinned against you? You didn't do anything against you? You didn't do anything against you? You didn't do anything wrong. They sinned against you. It gives wrong. They sinned against you. It gives wrong. They sinned against you. It gives you a biblical line of thought. What if you a biblical line of thought. What if you a biblical line of thought. What if somebody comes to you and they're in a somebody comes to you and they're in a somebody comes to you and they're in a conflict? You're not involved in it, but conflict? You're not involved in it, but conflict? You're not involved in it, but you've got to deal with it now, right?

you've got to deal with it now, right? you've got to deal with it now, right? You got two kids or two grown adults You got two kids or two grown adults You got two kids or two grown adults that are like, I don't know what to do. that are like, I don't know what to do. that are like, I don't know what to do. I can't stand them. And they're coming. I can't stand them. And they're coming. I can't stand them. And they're coming. So, what do you do? So, so this sheet So, what do you do? So, so this sheet So, what do you do? So, so this sheet kind of gives you like a walkthrough, a kind of gives you like a walkthrough, a kind of gives you like a walkthrough, a biblical walkthrough of like how to biblical walkthrough of like how to biblical walkthrough of like how to handle this stuff. So unbelievably handle this stuff. So unbelievably handle this stuff. So unbelievably practical. I told the pastors one of practical. I told the pastors one of practical. I told the pastors one of Jonathan Freeman sent this to us and I Jonathan Freeman sent this to us and I Jonathan Freeman sent this to us and I literally looked at it and said, "I'm literally looked at it and said, "I'm literally looked at it and said, "I'm probably just going to read this and say probably just going to read this and say probably just going to read this and say amen and give an invitation." Like it's amen and give an invitation." Like it's amen and give an invitation." Like it's that good. It really is. So grab one of that good. It really is. So grab one of that good. It really is. So grab one of these, one per family, please. Uh so but these, one per family, please. Uh so but these, one per family, please. Uh so but with that, I want to give three with that, I want to give three with that, I want to give three practical steps. We're going to bring practical steps. We're going to bring practical steps. We're going to bring all this together in regards to all this together in regards to all this together in regards to conflict. Here's the first, and you've conflict. Here's the first, and you've conflict. Here's the first, and you've got them there in your in your notes. got them there in your in your notes. got them there in your in your notes. Number one, don't avoid the conflict. Number one, don't avoid the conflict. Number one, don't avoid the conflict. Instead, address it. Do not be a Instead, address it. Do not be a Instead, address it. Do not be a peacekeeper, be a peace maker. Nowhere peacekeeper, be a peace maker. Nowhere peacekeeper, be a peace maker. Nowhere in the Bible does it tell you to be a in the Bible does it tell you to be a in the Bible does it tell you to be a peacekeeper. peacekeeper. peacekeeper. >> It calls you to be a peace maker. >> It calls you to be a peace maker. >> It calls you to be a peace maker. Peacekeepers don't say anything. They Peacekeepers don't say anything. They Peacekeepers don't say anything. They don't want to rock the boat. They don't don't want to rock the boat. They don't don't want to rock the boat. They don't want to they don't want to get engaged want to they don't want to get engaged want to they don't want to get engaged in some type of fight because we already in some type of fight because we already in some type of fight because we already know how they're going to respond. know how they're going to respond. know how they're going to respond. That's a peacekeeper. Peacemaker is, I That's a peacekeeper. Peacemaker is, I That's a peacekeeper. Peacemaker is, I know how they're going to respond. I know how they're going to respond. I know how they're going to respond. I know what I need to do. I'm going to do know what I need to do. I'm going to do know what I need to do. I'm going to do it.

it. it. So don't avoid the conflict, but instead So don't avoid the conflict, but instead So don't avoid the conflict, but instead address it. Number two, don't leave the address it. Number two, don't leave the address it. Number two, don't leave the church, but instead be the church. I see church, but instead be the church. I see church, but instead be the church. I see this a lot. this a lot. this a lot. Church members get in conflict with each Church members get in conflict with each Church members get in conflict with each other and they just roll out instead of other and they just roll out instead of other and they just roll out instead of actually dealing with the issue, they actually dealing with the issue, they actually dealing with the issue, they just quit the life group, quit the just quit the life group, quit the just quit the life group, quit the D-group, or they just quit the church, D-group, or they just quit the church, D-group, or they just quit the church, go somewhere else. Listen, all you're go somewhere else. Listen, all you're go somewhere else. Listen, all you're doing when you're doing that is avoiding doing when you're doing that is avoiding doing when you're doing that is avoiding the heart level issue that's going on. the heart level issue that's going on. the heart level issue that's going on. And if you go to another church or you And if you go to another church or you And if you go to another church or you go somewhere else or you just start go somewhere else or you just start go somewhere else or you just start watching one of your favorite preachers watching one of your favorite preachers watching one of your favorite preachers online, your heart is still the same. online, your heart is still the same. online, your heart is still the same. Don't leave the church, be the church. Don't leave the church, be the church. Don't leave the church, be the church. There will be conflict in any church you There will be conflict in any church you There will be conflict in any church you go and be a part of. And if there's not go and be a part of. And if there's not go and be a part of. And if there's not conflict there, once you show up, guess conflict there, once you show up, guess conflict there, once you show up, guess what? You're going to bring conflict what? You're going to bring conflict what? You're going to bring conflict with you. Okay? It's just natural. It with you. Okay? It's just natural. It with you. Okay? It's just natural. It happens. I've been in conflict as a happens. I've been in conflict as a happens. I've been in conflict as a pastor with staff. I've been in conflict pastor with staff. I've been in conflict pastor with staff. I've been in conflict at times with members. It happens. But at times with members. It happens. But at times with members. It happens. But our job is to show the world how to deal our job is to show the world how to deal our job is to show the world how to deal with it. Think about these people right with it. Think about these people right with it. Think about these people right here. We have this this odd here. We have this this odd here. We have this this odd luxury that I don't really think is a luxury that I don't really think is a luxury that I don't really think is a luxury, but it's the best word I can luxury, but it's the best word I can luxury, but it's the best word I can think for it. Because whenever you get think for it. Because whenever you get think for it. Because whenever you get in conflict with somebody, as American in conflict with somebody, as American in conflict with somebody, as American Christians, we just pack up and go to Christians, we just pack up and go to Christians, we just pack up and go to another church and talk about them on another church and talk about them on another church and talk about them on Facebook passive aggressively. Just go Facebook passive aggressively. Just go Facebook passive aggressively. Just go to another church. These ladies couldn't to another church. These ladies couldn't to another church. These ladies couldn't just hop over to Second Baptist and say, just hop over to Second Baptist and say, just hop over to Second Baptist and say, "Hey, now we're here and I don't want to "Hey, now we're here and I don't want to "Hey, now we're here and I don't want to tell you all the stuff that I've been tell you all the stuff that I've been tell you all the stuff that I've been involved in and now we're here and we're involved in and now we're here and we're involved in and now we're here and we're good and we're going to start this new good and we're going to start this new good and we're going to start this new things." All you're doing is packing up things." All you're doing is packing up things." All you're doing is packing up your issues and your heart problems and your issues and your heart problems and your issues and your heart problems and bringing them somewhere else. They bringing them somewhere else. They bringing them somewhere else. They didn't have that luxury. If they wanted didn't have that luxury. If they wanted didn't have that luxury. If they wanted to go to another church, they'd have to

to go to another church, they'd have to to go to another church, they'd have to travel 120 miles to Ephesus and be like, travel 120 miles to Ephesus and be like, travel 120 miles to Ephesus and be like, "Hey, we're here." It's like, "That "Hey, we're here." It's like, "That "Hey, we're here." It's like, "That ain't going to work." They had to deal ain't going to work." They had to deal ain't going to work." They had to deal with their issues. And the same is true with their issues. And the same is true with their issues. And the same is true for us. You will have conflict with for us. You will have conflict with for us. You will have conflict with people in the church. Should you? No. people in the church. Should you? No. people in the church. Should you? No. But you're going to you're going to have But you're going to you're going to have But you're going to you're going to have issues. And the option is don't fix your issues. And the option is don't fix your issues. And the option is don't fix your heart. Don't repair the relationship and heart. Don't repair the relationship and heart. Don't repair the relationship and just go somewhere else or resolve the just go somewhere else or resolve the just go somewhere else or resolve the issue. Don't leave the church. Be the issue. Don't leave the church. Be the issue. Don't leave the church. Be the church. Don't get so in love with your church. Don't get so in love with your church. Don't get so in love with your idea of what the church should be that idea of what the church should be that idea of what the church should be that you actually hurt what the church is. you actually hurt what the church is. you actually hurt what the church is. And I'm going to tell you this. I'm And I'm going to tell you this. I'm And I'm going to tell you this. I'm going tell you this in love. Some of going tell you this in love. Some of going tell you this in love. Some of y'all came here because of a conflict y'all came here because of a conflict y'all came here because of a conflict somewhere else. Got mad at somebody or somewhere else. Got mad at somebody or somewhere else. Got mad at somebody or they got mad at you. And I would they got mad at you. And I would they got mad at you. And I would strongly encourage you to think through strongly encourage you to think through strongly encourage you to think through how to reconcile with that relationship. how to reconcile with that relationship. how to reconcile with that relationship. I don't want you to leave. Okay, you're I don't want you to leave. Okay, you're I don't want you to leave. Okay, you're here. That's great. You're here. But you here. That's great. You're here. But you here. That's great. You're here. But you may need to reconcile or to forgive may need to reconcile or to forgive may need to reconcile or to forgive someone someone someone that is the reason why you left that is the reason why you left that is the reason why you left somewhere else. And then here's the last somewhere else. And then here's the last somewhere else. And then here's the last little practical step. There's so many little practical step. There's so many little practical step. There's so many more and they're so individualized, but more and they're so individualized, but more and they're so individualized, but here's here's the last one I want to here's here's the last one I want to here's here's the last one I want to give you guys. Don't tear down the other give you guys. Don't tear down the other give you guys. Don't tear down the other person, but instead humble yourself.

person, but instead humble yourself. person, but instead humble yourself. Don't tear down the other person, even Don't tear down the other person, even Don't tear down the other person, even if they're in the wrong. Instead, humble if they're in the wrong. Instead, humble if they're in the wrong. Instead, humble yourself. yourself. yourself. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Let me read you a quote that again, I Let me read you a quote that again, I Let me read you a quote that again, I love you ladies. Hopefully, you come love you ladies. Hopefully, you come love you ladies. Hopefully, you come back to it. Man, he was he was he was back to it. Man, he was he was he was back to it. Man, he was he was he was coming after us today. I'm not, but but coming after us today. I'm not, but but coming after us today. I'm not, but but but the truth is this passage is is is but the truth is this passage is is is but the truth is this passage is is is speaking to two ladies in the church. speaking to two ladies in the church. speaking to two ladies in the church. Okay? Uh women are unbelievable. These Okay? Uh women are unbelievable. These Okay? Uh women are unbelievable. These women were involved a vital piece of women were involved a vital piece of women were involved a vital piece of building the church. Like, so Paul's building the church. Like, so Paul's building the church. Like, so Paul's already addressed that. These are already addressed that. These are already addressed that. These are amazing women who are in the book of amazing women who are in the book of amazing women who are in the book of life, just as valuable as the men in the life, just as valuable as the men in the life, just as valuable as the men in the church. But I want to share this that I church. But I want to share this that I church. But I want to share this that I think will connect with some of the think will connect with some of the think will connect with some of the ladies in the church. Here's the quote. ladies in the church. Here's the quote. ladies in the church. Here's the quote. If you need others to know what someone If you need others to know what someone If you need others to know what someone did to you, you're probably not trying did to you, you're probably not trying did to you, you're probably not trying to reconcile, you're trying to recruit. to reconcile, you're trying to recruit. to reconcile, you're trying to recruit. If you get hurt and your immediate If you get hurt and your immediate If you get hurt and your immediate response is, "Oh, I'm about to gather up response is, "Oh, I'm about to gather up response is, "Oh, I'm about to gather up a little army and just attack this a little army and just attack this a little army and just attack this lady." Well, you're not trying to lady." Well, you're not trying to lady." Well, you're not trying to reconcile. You're trying to recruit.

reconcile. You're trying to recruit. reconcile. You're trying to recruit. Sometimes what happens is someone will Sometimes what happens is someone will Sometimes what happens is someone will sin against you sin against you sin against you and you will then sin against them 10 and you will then sin against them 10 and you will then sin against them 10 times more than they sinned against you times more than they sinned against you times more than they sinned against you because you went out and got a little because you went out and got a little because you went out and got a little posi and started badmouthing them and posi and started badmouthing them and posi and started badmouthing them and and creating this like Facebook subgroup and creating this like Facebook subgroup and creating this like Facebook subgroup of people that you just went trash and of people that you just went trash and of people that you just went trash and you actually the one sin that they you actually the one sin that they you actually the one sin that they committed against you, you actually committed against you, you actually committed against you, you actually involved brought in other people and involved brought in other people and involved brought in other people and created a whole wasp nest full of sin created a whole wasp nest full of sin created a whole wasp nest full of sin when you could have just said, "God, when you could have just said, "God, when you could have just said, "God, this hurts. I'm angry. Give me the this hurts. I'm angry. Give me the this hurts. I'm angry. Give me the strength and help to reconcile with this strength and help to reconcile with this strength and help to reconcile with this person. And instead of going and person. And instead of going and person. And instead of going and recruiting, you go and reconcile with recruiting, you go and reconcile with recruiting, you go and reconcile with the person that you've offended or that the person that you've offended or that the person that you've offended or that has offended you. Because there are has offended you. Because there are has offended you. Because there are sometimes sometimes there's some people sometimes sometimes there's some people sometimes sometimes there's some people here this morning and you don't need to here this morning and you don't need to here this morning and you don't need to necessarily go to the person. For some necessarily go to the person. For some necessarily go to the person. For some of you, the person's passed away. So of you, the person's passed away. So of you, the person's passed away. So that's a that's a reality. I I hear that that's a that's a reality. I I hear that that's a that's a reality. I I hear that a lot like, "Hey, I'm so angry at my a lot like, "Hey, I'm so angry at my a lot like, "Hey, I'm so angry at my dad, but my dad passed away three years dad, but my dad passed away three years dad, but my dad passed away three years ago." Some of you need just need to ago." Some of you need just need to ago." Some of you need just need to forgive someone in your heart. Okay? And forgive someone in your heart. Okay? And forgive someone in your heart. Okay? And you have to kind of process through you have to kind of process through you have to kind of process through that. Like if you're called to go and that. Like if you're called to go and that. Like if you're called to go and speak to the person, some of you just speak to the person, some of you just speak to the person, some of you just need to forgive somebody in your heart.

need to forgive somebody in your heart. need to forgive somebody in your heart. Because here's the deal. I'm invite the Because here's the deal. I'm invite the Because here's the deal. I'm invite the band back over and bring this together. band back over and bring this together. band back over and bring this together. Um Um Um unforgiveness hurts nobody but you. unforgiveness hurts nobody but you. unforgiveness hurts nobody but you. >> Like if I'm mad at Gavin right here, I'm >> Like if I'm mad at Gavin right here, I'm >> Like if I'm mad at Gavin right here, I'm mad at him and I'm not forgiving him mad at him and I'm not forgiving him mad at him and I'm not forgiving him right now. I'm unforgiving him in my right now. I'm unforgiving him in my right now. I'm unforgiving him in my heart. I'm doing nothing to him. You know who I'm doing nothing to him. You know who I'm hurting? Me. Matter of fact, I'm hurting? Me. Matter of fact, I'm hurting? Me. Matter of fact, sociologists have literally said that sociologists have literally said that sociologists have literally said that like if you want to if you want to like if you want to if you want to like if you want to if you want to shorten your life, be bitter. Like these shorten your life, be bitter. Like these shorten your life, be bitter. Like these aren't even Christian people that are aren't even Christian people that are aren't even Christian people that are saying it, but like, hey, you you want saying it, but like, hey, you you want saying it, but like, hey, you you want to shorten your life, you want to age to shorten your life, you want to age to shorten your life, you want to age quicker, which a lot of Americans are quicker, which a lot of Americans are quicker, which a lot of Americans are like, that's the worst thing ever, so like, that's the worst thing ever, so like, that's the worst thing ever, so we're trying all this other stuff. we're trying all this other stuff. we're trying all this other stuff. Here's a great way to age slower, be at Here's a great way to age slower, be at Here's a great way to age slower, be at peace with people. Stop being bitter. peace with people. Stop being bitter. peace with people. Stop being bitter. Bitterness literally kills you. Bitterness literally kills you. Bitterness literally kills you. Bitterness and stress are killing Bitterness and stress are killing Bitterness and stress are killing people. people. people. And so, be at peace. Look what he says And so, be at peace. Look what he says And so, be at peace. Look what he says here at the very end. here at the very end. here at the very end. He says, "Rejoice. He says, "Rejoice. He says, "Rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord always." Rejoice in the Lord always." Rejoice in the Lord always." Again, I'll say, "Rejoice." He's Again, I'll say, "Rejoice." He's Again, I'll say, "Rejoice." He's emphasizing it. And he says, "Let watch emphasizing it. And he says, "Let watch emphasizing it. And he says, "Let watch this. Your gentle spirit be known to all this. Your gentle spirit be known to all this. Your gentle spirit be known to all men." I want to make a point about that men." I want to make a point about that men." I want to make a point about that because what he doesn't say is, "Let because what he doesn't say is, "Let because what he doesn't say is, "Let your personality be known to everybody."

your personality be known to everybody." your personality be known to everybody." Let me tell you this. Some of you are Let me tell you this. Some of you are Let me tell you this. Some of you are using your personality as an excuse for using your personality as an excuse for using your personality as an excuse for your pride. your pride. your pride. Well, that's just who I am. If they Well, that's just who I am. If they Well, that's just who I am. If they don't like me telling them what what don't like me telling them what what don't like me telling them what what they need to do, then they can get over they need to do, then they can get over they need to do, then they can get over it. That's just who I am. That's who I it. That's just who I am. That's who I it. That's just who I am. That's who I am. THAT'S NOT WHO YOU ARE. WHO you are am. THAT'S NOT WHO YOU ARE. WHO you are am. THAT'S NOT WHO YOU ARE. WHO you are is in Christ. And if you're going to let is in Christ. And if you're going to let is in Christ. And if you're going to let your personality determine your personality determine your personality determine ultimately how you respond to people, ultimately how you respond to people, ultimately how you respond to people, that's you're letting your personality that's you're letting your personality that's you're letting your personality be an excuse for your pride. be an excuse for your pride. be an excuse for your pride. >> YOU'RE IN CHRIST. YOU'RE CALLED TO BE A >> YOU'RE IN CHRIST. YOU'RE CALLED TO BE A >> YOU'RE IN CHRIST. YOU'RE CALLED TO BE A PEACEMAKER. YOU'RE A FORGIVEN PERSON. PEACEMAKER. YOU'RE A FORGIVEN PERSON. PEACEMAKER. YOU'RE A FORGIVEN PERSON. You're called right here in this passage You're called right here in this passage You're called right here in this passage to be gentle. That everybody should know to be gentle. That everybody should know to be gentle. That everybody should know you as gentle. Is that true of you? Do you as gentle. Is that true of you? Do you as gentle. Is that true of you? Do people in your home look at you and people in your home look at you and people in your home look at you and think gentle? That doesn't mean that think gentle? That doesn't mean that think gentle? That doesn't mean that we've got to be perfect. There's plenty we've got to be perfect. There's plenty we've got to be perfect. There's plenty of times where I'm not gentle in my of times where I'm not gentle in my of times where I'm not gentle in my home. home. home. Does your spouse see you as gentle? Do Does your spouse see you as gentle? Do Does your spouse see you as gentle? Do your co-workers see you as gentle? your co-workers see you as gentle? your co-workers see you as gentle? Don't let your personality be an excuse Don't let your personality be an excuse Don't let your personality be an excuse for your pride.

for your pride. for your pride. be gentle. And he gives us one last be gentle. And he gives us one last be gentle. And he gives us one last motivator. Look what he says here. The motivator. Look what he says here. The motivator. Look what he says here. The Lord is near. Lord is near. Lord is near. >> What does that mean? The Lord is near. I >> What does that mean? The Lord is near. I >> What does that mean? The Lord is near. I think it means two things. And most think it means two things. And most think it means two things. And most theologians will agree with me. Two theologians will agree with me. Two theologians will agree with me. Two things. One, he's reminding [music] the things. One, he's reminding [music] the things. One, he's reminding [music] the church that Jesus is always close. He's church that Jesus is always close. He's church that Jesus is always close. He's always with you. always with you. always with you. Why would you want to hold bitterness Why would you want to hold bitterness Why would you want to hold bitterness and unforgiveness towards somebody when and unforgiveness towards somebody when and unforgiveness towards somebody when the one who has forgiven you of the one who has forgiven you of the one who has forgiven you of everything is right by you? He's right everything is right by you? He's right everything is right by you? He's right by you. But also that phrase, the Lord by you. But also that phrase, the Lord by you. But also that phrase, the Lord is near, means that he's coming back and is near, means that he's coming back and is near, means that he's coming back and he's coming back soon. And today we're he's coming back soon. And today we're he's coming back soon. And today we're closer than yesterday at him coming closer than yesterday at him coming closer than yesterday at him coming back. It's kind of the idea that I back. It's kind of the idea that I back. It's kind of the idea that I thought about thought about thought about and I want to end with this. It's such a and I want to end with this. It's such a and I want to end with this. It's such a simple illustration, but it's so true. simple illustration, but it's so true. simple illustration, but it's so true. You guys remember in elementary school You guys remember in elementary school You guys remember in elementary school when Miss So and so, whoever your when Miss So and so, whoever your when Miss So and so, whoever your teacher was in second grade or third teacher was in second grade or third teacher was in second grade or third grade would leave the class for whatever grade would leave the class for whatever grade would leave the class for whatever reason, she got called over the PA and reason, she got called over the PA and reason, she got called over the PA and so she had to leave. What happens when so she had to leave. What happens when so she had to leave. What happens when she leaves and you start throwing paper wads or and you start throwing paper wads or like getting up, walking around like you like getting up, walking around like you like getting up, walking around like you big and bad, you I'm going to go get big and bad, you I'm going to go get big and bad, you I'm going to go get some of my goldfish. I don't care. And some of my goldfish. I don't care. And some of my goldfish. I don't care. And you go do that. You walk around, it's you go do that. You walk around, it's you go do that. You walk around, it's like you're just like you you doing like you're just like you you doing like you're just like you you doing whatever. You you you're big man. Then whatever. You you you're big man. Then whatever. You you you're big man. Then you start hearing Miss Crabtree's high you start hearing Miss Crabtree's high you start hearing Miss Crabtree's high heels coming back down the hall. Click heels coming back down the hall. Click heels coming back down the hall. Click clack click click cl and you can hear, clack click click cl and you can hear, clack click click cl and you can hear, "Oh, I got to get back there. I'm sure "Oh, I got to get back there. I'm sure "Oh, I got to get back there. I'm sure they're acting crazy." What does they're acting crazy." What does they're acting crazy." What does everybody do? Does Johnny keep walking

everybody do? Does Johnny keep walking everybody do? Does Johnny keep walking around smashing goldfish? People keep around smashing goldfish? People keep around smashing goldfish? People keep throwing around paper wads. No. What throwing around paper wads. No. What throwing around paper wads. No. What happens? Everybody gets right and tight. Right. Everybody gets right and tight. Right. What Paul's ultimately saying is because What Paul's ultimately saying is because What Paul's ultimately saying is because because when the teacher gets near, because when the teacher gets near, because when the teacher gets near, everybody gets right. everybody gets right. everybody gets right. Hopefully, some of you teachers may Hopefully, some of you teachers may Hopefully, some of you teachers may disagree. But disagree. But disagree. But what Paul is saying [music] is Jesus is what Paul is saying [music] is Jesus is what Paul is saying [music] is Jesus is coming back. coming back. coming back. So, get right. Get right with him and So, get right. Get right with him and So, get right. Get right with him and get right with other people. Listen, I get right with other people. Listen, I get right with other people. Listen, I was talking to somebody out there. I was talking to somebody out there. I was talking to somebody out there. I have a good friend they're walking with have a good friend they're walking with have a good friend they're walking with right now that has maybe a few weeks, a right now that has maybe a few weeks, a right now that has maybe a few weeks, a few months to live. And what they said few months to live. And what they said few months to live. And what they said to me out there struck me. It's like to me out there struck me. It's like to me out there struck me. It's like Blake, you you you always need to live Blake, you you you always need to live Blake, you you you always need to live for the Lord because you never know when for the Lord because you never know when for the Lord because you never know when your time is coming. [music] That's what your time is coming. [music] That's what your time is coming. [music] That's what Paul's saying right here. You need to Paul's saying right here. You need to Paul's saying right here. You need to get right with Jesus and you also need get right with Jesus and you also need get right with Jesus and you also need to get right with each other because the to get right with each other because the to get right with each other because the Lord's near. He's near to help you with Lord's near. He's near to help you with Lord's near. He's near to help you with that. Because listen, you're not going that. Because listen, you're not going that. Because listen, you're not going to be able to forgive people who've to be able to forgive people who've to be able to forgive people who've wronged you unless you're reminded of wronged you unless you're reminded of wronged you unless you're reminded of how much you've been forgiven.

how much you've been forgiven. how much you've been forgiven. >> You can't. >> You can't. >> You can't. There has to be a day where you make There has to be a day where you make There has to be a day where you make what Jesus has done for you greater than what Jesus has done for you greater than what Jesus has done for you greater than what someone else has done to you. what someone else has done to you. what someone else has done to you. >> That has to happen. And some of you need >> That has to happen. And some of you need >> That has to happen. And some of you need to get right with the Lord, but some of to get right with the Lord, but some of to get right with the Lord, but some of you need to get right with with someone you need to get right with with someone you need to get right with with someone else because the Lord's near. Quit else because the Lord's near. Quit else because the Lord's near. Quit living in unforgiveness and bitterness, living in unforgiveness and bitterness, living in unforgiveness and bitterness, for your joy, for your hope and your for your joy, for your hope and your for your joy, for your hope and your health. health. health. And so this morning, the invitation, the And so this morning, the invitation, the And so this morning, the invitation, the altar is open for people who want altar is open for people who want altar is open for people who want because the Lord is near, who want to because the Lord is near, who want to because the Lord is near, who want to get right with Christ or who want to get get right with Christ or who want to get get right with Christ or who want to get right with someone else. Listen, some of right with someone else. Listen, some of right with someone else. Listen, some of you may need to go like I I'm being real you may need to go like I I'm being real you may need to go like I I'm being real right now. Some of you need to go grab right now. Some of you need to go grab right now. Some of you need to go grab somebody in this room who you're sitting somebody in this room who you're sitting somebody in this room who you're sitting over here and they're sitting over there over here and they're sitting over there over here and they're sitting over there because y'all are at odds with each because y'all are at odds with each because y'all are at odds with each other. Some of you need to walk across other. Some of you need to walk across other. Some of you need to walk across here, look them in the eyes and say, here, look them in the eyes and say, here, look them in the eyes and say, "I'm sorry." Will you go to the altar "I'm sorry." Will you go to the altar "I'm sorry." Will you go to the altar with me and just pray? I'm sorry. I'm with me and just pray? I'm sorry. I'm with me and just pray? I'm sorry. I'm sorry. What I did, what I said, that was sorry. What I did, what I said, that was sorry. What I did, what I said, that was wrong. I'm sorry. Some of y'all go to wrong. I'm sorry. Some of y'all go to wrong. I'm sorry. Some of y'all go to this service because someone else in this service because someone else in this service because someone else in 11:00 service has wronged you. You may 11:00 service has wronged you. You may 11:00 service has wronged you. You may need to reconcile with them. Paul says need to reconcile with them. Paul says need to reconcile with them. Paul says in Romans 12:8, "As long as it depends in Romans 12:8, "As long as it depends in Romans 12:8, "As long as it depends on you, not them. as long as it depends on you, not them. as long as it depends on you, not them. as long as it depends on you. Be at peace with all people.

on you. Be at peace with all people. on you. Be at peace with all people. Why? So that you can be at peace. Why? So that you can be at peace. Why? So that you can be at peace. Reconciliation is not telling the other Reconciliation is not telling the other Reconciliation is not telling the other person what they did was right. person what they did was right. person what they did was right. Reconciliation is you deciding you want Reconciliation is you deciding you want Reconciliation is you deciding you want to be right. You're tired of fighting. to be right. You're tired of fighting. to be right. You're tired of fighting. So the altar this morning is going to be So the altar this morning is going to be So the altar this morning is going to be open for people who are just done open for people who are just done open for people who are just done fighting, who just want to lay down fighting, who just want to lay down fighting, who just want to lay down whatever it is at at the at the altar whatever it is at at the at the altar whatever it is at at the at the altar and say, "God, I give you this and say, "God, I give you this and say, "God, I give you this relationship. I forgive them in my relationship. I forgive them in my relationship. I forgive them in my heart. I'm going to bring them down heart. I'm going to bring them down heart. I'm going to bring them down here." Some of y'all, it's not somebody here." Some of y'all, it's not somebody here." Some of y'all, it's not somebody across the room, it's someone you're across the room, it's someone you're across the room, it's someone you're sitting beside. sitting beside. sitting beside. And so, you need to reconcile with them. And so, you need to reconcile with them. And so, you need to reconcile with them. Pray that the Lord reconciles your heart Pray that the Lord reconciles your heart Pray that the Lord reconciles your heart back to him. And some of you here this back to him. And some of you here this back to him. And some of you here this morning, like I prayed at the beginning, morning, like I prayed at the beginning, morning, like I prayed at the beginning, you're here, but you can't reconcile you're here, but you can't reconcile you're here, but you can't reconcile with anybody else because you've not yet with anybody else because you've not yet with anybody else because you've not yet reconciled with Jesus. That you are not reconciled with Jesus. That you are not reconciled with Jesus. That you are not yet his child. And I can assure you that yet his child. And I can assure you that yet his child. And I can assure you that in grace, he's holding out his hand and in grace, he's holding out his hand and in grace, he's holding out his hand and saying, "Repent and believe. Repent and saying, "Repent and believe. Repent and saying, "Repent and believe. Repent and believe. I'll save you. I'll save you." believe. I'll save you. I'll save you." believe. I'll save you. I'll save you." and the pastors will [music] be here and the pastors will [music] be here and the pastors will [music] be here this morning to not only pray over you this morning to not only pray over you this morning to not only pray over you but also to lead you to Christ. So I'm but also to lead you to Christ. So I'm but also to lead you to Christ. So I'm going to pray over us and then you're going to pray over us and then you're going to pray over us and then you're going to respond to Jesus this morning going to respond to Jesus this morning going to respond to Jesus this morning because he is near.

because he is near. because he is near. >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you so much >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you so much >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you so much for your word. God, it's so good. It's for your word. God, it's so good. It's for your word. God, it's so good. It's so convicting. Lord, it's often times so convicting. Lord, it's often times so convicting. Lord, it's often times not what we want to hear, but it's what not what we want to hear, but it's what not what we want to hear, but it's what we need to hear. And so, Father, I just we need to hear. And so, Father, I just we need to hear. And so, Father, I just pray that you would do a supernatural pray that you would do a supernatural pray that you would do a supernatural working of reconciliation right now. working of reconciliation right now. working of reconciliation right now. reconciliation between sinners and you reconciliation between sinners and you reconciliation between sinners and you this morning and reconciliation between this morning and reconciliation between this morning and reconciliation between saints that God forgiveness saints that God forgiveness saints that God forgiveness and and honesty and transparency would and and honesty and transparency would and and honesty and transparency would happen that Holy Spirit you would bring happen that Holy Spirit you would bring happen that Holy Spirit you would bring to mind people right now that we've to mind people right now that we've to mind people right now that we've wronged and that we need to reconcile wronged and that we need to reconcile wronged and that we need to reconcile with that we need to ask for forgiveness with that we need to ask for forgiveness with that we need to ask for forgiveness for or to forgive them. And so I pray for or to forgive them. And so I pray for or to forgive them. And so I pray that this would be a freeing and a that this would be a freeing and a that this would be a freeing and a powerful and a healing moment for us as powerful and a healing moment for us as powerful and a healing moment for us as a church in Jesus name. Amen. Friends, I a church in Jesus name. Amen. Friends, I a church in Jesus name. Amen. Friends, I invite you to stand and you respond to invite you to stand and you respond to invite you to stand and you respond to Christ this morning.