Everyday Joy - Stand Firm - Dr. Archie Mason

Wow, good stuff this morning. Well, good Wow, good stuff this morning. Well, good morning again. Welcome here to Central morning again. Welcome here to Central morning again. Welcome here to Central Baptist Church. If you are visiting with Baptist Church. If you are visiting with Baptist Church. If you are visiting with us for the first time, maybe you had us for the first time, maybe you had us for the first time, maybe you had family that's moved in either to A-State family that's moved in either to A-State family that's moved in either to A-State or to Williams, we're so glad to have or to Williams, we're so glad to have or to Williams, we're so glad to have you. My name is Archie Mason. I'm the you. My name is Archie Mason. I'm the you. My name is Archie Mason. I'm the senior pastor. So, thanks for being with senior pastor. So, thanks for being with senior pastor. So, thanks for being with us and as always a lot of folks are us and as always a lot of folks are us and as always a lot of folks are engaging with us through online engaging with us through online engaging with us through online streaming or by television. So, good to streaming or by television. So, good to streaming or by television. So, good to have you. If you've got a Bible with you have you. If you've got a Bible with you have you. If you've got a Bible with you today, maybe you got your Bible on your today, maybe you got your Bible on your today, maybe you got your Bible on your phone, let's take it and turn to the phone, let's take it and turn to the phone, let's take it and turn to the book of Philippians. We're going to be book of Philippians. We're going to be book of Philippians. We're going to be in Philippians in Philippians in Philippians chapter 4. Now, we've had a lot of folks chapter 4. Now, we've had a lot of folks chapter 4. Now, we've had a lot of folks out through the summer and a lot of our out through the summer and a lot of our out through the summer and a lot of our students have been gone. Now, they're students have been gone. Now, they're students have been gone. Now, they're back and so we're teaching in the book back and so we're teaching in the book back and so we're teaching in the book of Philippians. So, we'll be doing that of Philippians. So, we'll be doing that of Philippians. So, we'll be doing that for a few more weeks. The title today is for a few more weeks. The title today is for a few more weeks. The title today is to stand firm. It comes right out of the to stand firm. It comes right out of the to stand firm. It comes right out of the passage of scripture to stand firm. Now, passage of scripture to stand firm. Now, passage of scripture to stand firm. Now, I want to take you back in history a I want to take you back in history a I want to take you back in history a little bit to World War II. Many of you little bit to World War II. Many of you little bit to World War II. Many of you are aware that are aware that are aware that it was on December there early in the it was on December there early in the it was on December there early in the 1940s that Pearl Harbor was attacked and 1940s that Pearl Harbor was attacked and 1940s that Pearl Harbor was attacked and so we declared war so we declared war so we declared war right after that and Germany declared right after that and Germany declared right after that and Germany declared war on us, I believe, 4 days later. And war on us, I believe, 4 days later. And war on us, I believe, 4 days later. And so what happened is that the US and so what happened is that the US and so what happened is that the US and Allied forces came together and began to Allied forces came together and began to Allied forces came together and began to go against Hitler go against Hitler go against Hitler who was trying to basically take over who was trying to basically take over who was trying to basically take over the world. And so what we learned the world. And so what we learned the world. And so what we learned through history is that US forces and through history is that US forces and through history is that US forces and Allied forces had liberated France.

Allied forces had liberated France. Allied forces had liberated France. Well, then what happened in December of Well, then what happened in December of Well, then what happened in December of 1944, Hitler made 1944, Hitler made 1944, Hitler made a push. Now, I share this because some a push. Now, I share this because some a push. Now, I share this because some of you think, "Why in the world are you of you think, "Why in the world are you of you think, "Why in the world are you preaching talking about World War II?" preaching talking about World War II?" preaching talking about World War II?" Well, you need to understand because of Well, you need to understand because of Well, you need to understand because of the men and women who have served the the men and women who have served the the men and women who have served the United States military, I'm able to United States military, I'm able to United States military, I'm able to preach the gospel freely here today. preach the gospel freely here today. preach the gospel freely here today. That was a point in time That was a point in time That was a point in time that we were about to be overtaken by that we were about to be overtaken by that we were about to be overtaken by tyranny and a dictator and all that. And tyranny and a dictator and all that. And tyranny and a dictator and all that. And so again, war is declared on us and we so again, war is declared on us and we so again, war is declared on us and we go to war. But the the battle that I go to war. But the the battle that I go to war. But the the battle that I want to specifically mention this want to specifically mention this want to specifically mention this morning is called the Battle of the morning is called the Battle of the morning is called the Battle of the Bulge. Maybe you've heard of that. I Bulge. Maybe you've heard of that. I Bulge. Maybe you've heard of that. I know a lot of you younger folks in the know a lot of you younger folks in the know a lot of you younger folks in the room like myself. My dad served in the room like myself. My dad served in the room like myself. My dad served in the Navy and so maybe through history you Navy and so maybe through history you Navy and so maybe through history you may remember this is that the Allied may remember this is that the Allied may remember this is that the Allied forces and US were pushing toward forces and US were pushing toward forces and US were pushing toward Germany. And what happened is Hitler Germany. And what happened is Hitler Germany. And what happened is Hitler made, excuse me, one last advance and it made, excuse me, one last advance and it made, excuse me, one last advance and it caused a bulge, as it's called, in the caused a bulge, as it's called, in the caused a bulge, as it's called, in the line. So, it's around Bastogne, Belgium, line. So, it's around Bastogne, Belgium, line. So, it's around Bastogne, Belgium, is where it was. Now, it was there that is where it was. Now, it was there that is where it was. Now, it was there that the 101, the 101st Airborne Division, the 101, the 101st Airborne Division, the 101, the 101st Airborne Division, and other US military that they held and other US military that they held and other US military that they held their ground. their ground. their ground. They stood They stood They stood firm. They held their position. Now, firm. They held their position. Now, firm. They held their position. Now, that has become known as one of the that has become known as one of the that has become known as one of the bloodiest battles in World War II. I bloodiest battles in World War II. I bloodiest battles in World War II. I believe almost 19,000 men believe almost 19,000 men believe almost 19,000 men lost their lives, but it was very lost their lives, but it was very lost their lives, but it was very strategic in bringing the war to an end strategic in bringing the war to an end strategic in bringing the war to an end because history tells us that what because history tells us that what because history tells us that what happened was because they stood firm.

happened was because they stood firm. happened was because they stood firm. You say that's a military term. They You say that's a military term. They You say that's a military term. They stood firm. They held their position in stood firm. They held their position in stood firm. They held their position in spite of insurmountable odds that were spite of insurmountable odds that were spite of insurmountable odds that were against them against them against them that they really that they really that they really beat down the German forces as far as beat down the German forces as far as beat down the German forces as far as the Air Force and the Air Force and the Air Force and people and personnel, which allowed them people and personnel, which allowed them people and personnel, which allowed them to go on in and to bring liberation and to go on in and to bring liberation and to go on in and to bring liberation and to bring the war to an end. Now, I share to bring the war to an end. Now, I share to bring the war to an end. Now, I share that with you today because anyone who that with you today because anyone who that with you today because anyone who served in the military, I know some of served in the military, I know some of served in the military, I know some of you have, many of you have, maybe, and you have, many of you have, maybe, and you have, many of you have, maybe, and you understand hand-to-hand combat. You you understand hand-to-hand combat. You you understand hand-to-hand combat. You understand holding position, to hold the understand holding position, to hold the understand holding position, to hold the rank, to stay in place. You understand rank, to stay in place. You understand rank, to stay in place. You understand not to retreat and not to back up. Well, not to retreat and not to back up. Well, not to retreat and not to back up. Well, the reason I bring that up is because the reason I bring that up is because the reason I bring that up is because Paul, writing to the church of Philippi, Paul, writing to the church of Philippi, Paul, writing to the church of Philippi, these are Roman citizens in Philippi. these are Roman citizens in Philippi. these are Roman citizens in Philippi. They understand Roman soldiers. In fact, They understand Roman soldiers. In fact, They understand Roman soldiers. In fact, Roman soldiers at the time, they'd have Roman soldiers at the time, they'd have Roman soldiers at the time, they'd have spikes. spikes. spikes. Kind of like some of you may have ran Kind of like some of you may have ran Kind of like some of you may have ran track in high school or in college, you track in high school or in college, you track in high school or in college, you understand the spikes that they would understand the spikes that they would understand the spikes that they would hold, they could stand. They had all the hold, they could stand. They had all the hold, they could stand. They had all the attire for warfare. They had the shield, attire for warfare. They had the shield, attire for warfare. They had the shield, they had the a sword, all that, and they they had the a sword, all that, and they they had the a sword, all that, and they knew how to stand side by side and to knew how to stand side by side and to knew how to stand side by side and to hold the ground and not to back up, not hold the ground and not to back up, not hold the ground and not to back up, not to retreat, to hold the position. So, to retreat, to hold the position. So, to retreat, to hold the position. So, when Paul writes to the church at when Paul writes to the church at when Paul writes to the church at Philippi, he uses a military term. And Philippi, he uses a military term. And Philippi, he uses a military term. And he tells them, he says, "You are to he tells them, he says, "You are to he tells them, he says, "You are to stand firm." Now, you got to realize for stand firm." Now, you got to realize for stand firm." Now, you got to realize for all those Roman citizens, their mind all those Roman citizens, their mind all those Roman citizens, their mind automatically would go to a Roman automatically would go to a Roman automatically would go to a Roman soldier who would maybe protect them in soldier who would maybe protect them in soldier who would maybe protect them in battle or, you know, advancement or battle or, you know, advancement or battle or, you know, advancement or whatever. But Paul said stand firm in whatever. But Paul said stand firm in whatever. But Paul said stand firm in the Lord. And so we're going to talk the Lord. And so we're going to talk the Lord. And so we're going to talk about military term, how not to retreat, about military term, how not to retreat, about military term, how not to retreat, stand firm in the Lord. But also, he I

stand firm in the Lord. But also, he I stand firm in the Lord. But also, he I encourage them it says you're going to encourage them it says you're going to encourage them it says you're going to stand firm firm in unity. In harmony and stand firm firm in unity. In harmony and stand firm firm in unity. In harmony and fellowship in the church. Now this is fellowship in the church. Now this is fellowship in the church. Now this is where uh if some of you are new, uh so where uh if some of you are new, uh so where uh if some of you are new, uh so I'm kind of country and that kind of I'm kind of country and that kind of I'm kind of country and that kind of stuff. So I'm going to use a word that stuff. So I'm going to use a word that stuff. So I'm going to use a word that may be a little weird to you, but this may be a little weird to you, but this may be a little weird to you, but this is where the the text gets a little is where the the text gets a little is where the the text gets a little squirrely. We're going to say it. Now squirrely. We're going to say it. Now squirrely. We're going to say it. Now when you say squirrely, when I say it, when you say squirrely, when I say it, when you say squirrely, when I say it, here's what I mean. Paul calls out to here's what I mean. Paul calls out to here's what I mean. Paul calls out to women in the church by name. women in the church by name. women in the church by name. Now that doesn't happen that often. Now that doesn't happen that often. Now that doesn't happen that often. Usually the preacher don't stand up and Usually the preacher don't stand up and Usually the preacher don't stand up and go, "Hey, you and you." by name and do go, "Hey, you and you." by name and do go, "Hey, you and you." by name and do It doesn't usually happen like that. He It doesn't usually happen like that. He It doesn't usually happen like that. He calls out a lady named Euodia and calls out a lady named Euodia and calls out a lady named Euodia and Syntyche, okay? And their names have Syntyche, okay? And their names have Syntyche, okay? And their names have great meanings to them. These are godly great meanings to them. These are godly great meanings to them. These are godly women in the church that are serving in women in the church that are serving in women in the church that are serving in the church. As Paul goes on, I'll read the church. As Paul goes on, I'll read the church. As Paul goes on, I'll read in just a moment, they they have in just a moment, they they have in just a moment, they they have struggled together with Paul in the struggled together with Paul in the struggled together with Paul in the gospel. I mean, these aren't women who gospel. I mean, these aren't women who gospel. I mean, these aren't women who are on the fringe. These are not ladies are on the fringe. These are not ladies are on the fringe. These are not ladies that are not involved. These are not that are not involved. These are not that are not involved. These are not ladies who don't love Jesus. These are ladies who don't love Jesus. These are ladies who don't love Jesus. These are servants of the Lord God Almighty that servants of the Lord God Almighty that servants of the Lord God Almighty that Paul, as a believer, has really been in Paul, as a believer, has really been in Paul, as a believer, has really been in the trenches with with the gospel. Has the trenches with with the gospel. Has the trenches with with the gospel. Has really spiritually done battle with. He really spiritually done battle with. He really spiritually done battle with. He knows them very well and he calls them knows them very well and he calls them knows them very well and he calls them out by name. Why does he do that?

out by name. Why does he do that? out by name. Why does he do that? Because they are having an argument in Because they are having an argument in Because they are having an argument in the church. the church. the church. There is a division in the church. And There is a division in the church. And There is a division in the church. And so Paul calls them out and basically so Paul calls them out and basically so Paul calls them out and basically says, "Hey, y'all got to get your stuff says, "Hey, y'all got to get your stuff says, "Hey, y'all got to get your stuff together for the cause of the gospel." together for the cause of the gospel." together for the cause of the gospel." He says or Paul says says stand firm in He says or Paul says says stand firm in He says or Paul says says stand firm in the Lord and he says stand firm in the Lord and he says stand firm in the Lord and he says stand firm in unity. Hey, I know you just got unity. Hey, I know you just got unity. Hey, I know you just got comfortable. If you're okay if you can comfortable. If you're okay if you can comfortable. If you're okay if you can physically, if you don't mind stand real physically, if you don't mind stand real physically, if you don't mind stand real quick, let me read for you the text. quick, let me read for you the text. quick, let me read for you the text. Therefore, my brother, beloved brethren, Therefore, my brother, beloved brethren, Therefore, my brother, beloved brethren, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my this way stand firm in the Lord, my this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you to Indeed, true companion, I ask you to Indeed, true companion, I ask you to help these women. Now, Paul's calling help these women. Now, Paul's calling help these women. Now, Paul's calling out for a mediator to help these ladies out for a mediator to help these ladies out for a mediator to help these ladies work this thing out. Help these women work this thing out. Help these women work this thing out. Help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause who have shared my struggle in the cause who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel together with Clement and of the gospel together with Clement and of the gospel together with Clement and also the rest of my fellow workers whose also the rest of my fellow workers whose also the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. Then he names are in the book of life. Then he names are in the book of life. Then he says this. He gives three motivations says this. He gives three motivations says this. He gives three motivations for reconciliation. He says, "Rejoice in for reconciliation. He says, "Rejoice in for reconciliation. He says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I'll say the Lord always. Again, I'll say the Lord always. Again, I'll say rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known rejoice. Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near." Head your to all men. The Lord is near." Head your to all men. The Lord is near." Head your ministry pray. Father, thank you for ministry pray. Father, thank you for ministry pray. Father, thank you for today.

today. today. Uh Lord Jesus, most of all, Uh Lord Jesus, most of all, Uh Lord Jesus, most of all, thank you for going to that cross, thank you for going to that cross, thank you for going to that cross, shedding your blood, uh going to the shedding your blood, uh going to the shedding your blood, uh going to the grave and coming out on the third day. grave and coming out on the third day. grave and coming out on the third day. Thank you for the glorious gospel. Thank Thank you for the glorious gospel. Thank Thank you for the glorious gospel. Thank you that you love us and that Lord, you that you love us and that Lord, you that you love us and that Lord, you're in the business of saving people you're in the business of saving people you're in the business of saving people and discipling people. And so Lord, I and discipling people. And so Lord, I and discipling people. And so Lord, I pray that takes place today. So Lord, I pray that takes place today. So Lord, I pray that takes place today. So Lord, I pray you grow us and mature us and pray you grow us and mature us and pray you grow us and mature us and disciple us. Uh Lord, how does it stand disciple us. Uh Lord, how does it stand disciple us. Uh Lord, how does it stand firm, but also for reconciliation. Lord, firm, but also for reconciliation. Lord, firm, but also for reconciliation. Lord, uh we all got problems, we all got uh we all got problems, we all got uh we all got problems, we all got issues and Lord, I'm sure that among issues and Lord, I'm sure that among issues and Lord, I'm sure that among this crowd, there is reconciliation this crowd, there is reconciliation this crowd, there is reconciliation needs to take place. Maybe with a needs to take place. Maybe with a needs to take place. Maybe with a friend, maybe with a roommate, uh maybe friend, maybe with a roommate, uh maybe friend, maybe with a roommate, uh maybe with a co-worker, whatever it may be, with a co-worker, whatever it may be, with a co-worker, whatever it may be, that Lord, you teach us how to do that. that Lord, you teach us how to do that. that Lord, you teach us how to do that. But Lord, I also know that today there But Lord, I also know that today there But Lord, I also know that today there are those who need you, Lord. They need are those who need you, Lord. They need are those who need you, Lord. They need salvation, need forgiveness of sin. And salvation, need forgiveness of sin. And salvation, need forgiveness of sin. And so Lord, I pray Holy Spirit draw people so Lord, I pray Holy Spirit draw people so Lord, I pray Holy Spirit draw people to yourself and save folks today. It's to yourself and save folks today. It's to yourself and save folks today. It's in your name we pray, the name of Jesus. in your name we pray, the name of Jesus. in your name we pray, the name of Jesus. And all God's people said, "Amen. Amen." And all God's people said, "Amen. Amen." And all God's people said, "Amen. Amen." Please be seated if you would. Thanks Please be seated if you would. Thanks Please be seated if you would. Thanks for standing for the public reading for standing for the public reading for standing for the public reading uh of scripture. So, first he says we're uh of scripture. So, first he says we're uh of scripture. So, first he says we're to stand firm in the Lord. Now, Paul has to stand firm in the Lord. Now, Paul has to stand firm in the Lord. Now, Paul has a way of writing. So, it's like most of a way of writing. So, it's like most of a way of writing. So, it's like most of us, depending on where we grew up, us, depending on where we grew up, us, depending on where we grew up, depending on our background, we have a depending on our background, we have a depending on our background, we have a way of speaking, we have a way of way of speaking, we have a way of way of speaking, we have a way of communicating, we have a way of talking.

communicating, we have a way of talking. communicating, we have a way of talking. Uh so, Paul would a lot of times come Uh so, Paul would a lot of times come Uh so, Paul would a lot of times come out with a salutation like, "How you out with a salutation like, "How you out with a salutation like, "How you guys doing? I love y'alls." You know, guys doing? I love y'alls." You know, guys doing? I love y'alls." You know, all this. And then he kind of goes into all this. And then he kind of goes into all this. And then he kind of goes into stuff. Well, here, uh even though he's stuff. Well, here, uh even though he's stuff. Well, here, uh even though he's down uh in the later in the letter that down uh in the later in the letter that down uh in the later in the letter that he's writing to Philippi, he basically he's writing to Philippi, he basically he's writing to Philippi, he basically tells him, he says, "Therefore," cuz tells him, he says, "Therefore," cuz tells him, he says, "Therefore," cuz he's already, if you weren't here last he's already, if you weren't here last he's already, if you weren't here last week, if you have an opportunity, feel week, if you have an opportunity, feel week, if you have an opportunity, feel free to go back and watch the uh sermon, free to go back and watch the uh sermon, free to go back and watch the uh sermon, listen to it, download it, however you listen to it, download it, however you listen to it, download it, however you want to do it. But he says, "Therefore," want to do it. But he says, "Therefore," want to do it. But he says, "Therefore," so it's always like kind of remember so it's always like kind of remember so it's always like kind of remember what I just said. He says, "Therefore," what I just said. He says, "Therefore," what I just said. He says, "Therefore," then he says, "My beloved brethren." So, then he says, "My beloved brethren." So, then he says, "My beloved brethren." So, what he's saying is he he's helping them what he's saying is he he's helping them what he's saying is he he's helping them to understand, especially to ladies to understand, especially to ladies to understand, especially to ladies like, "I love you. I care for you. like, "I love you. I care for you. like, "I love you. I care for you. You're you're doing well." And he call You're you're doing well." And he call You're you're doing well." And he call he says this, "My beloved brethren." He he says this, "My beloved brethren." He he says this, "My beloved brethren." He says, "My joy and my crown." You know, says, "My joy and my crown." You know, says, "My joy and my crown." You know, when it comes down to conflict, just when it comes down to conflict, just when it comes down to conflict, just because you're a believer in the Lord because you're a believer in the Lord because you're a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ does not mean that you're Jesus Christ does not mean that you're Jesus Christ does not mean that you're not ever going to have conflict. But not ever going to have conflict. But not ever going to have conflict. But what we see in scriptures that scripture what we see in scriptures that scripture what we see in scriptures that scripture shows us how to engage in that. And so, shows us how to engage in that. And so, shows us how to engage in that. And so, again, he's starting off by saying, "I again, he's starting off by saying, "I again, he's starting off by saying, "I want you to I love you. You're my joy, want you to I love you. You're my joy, want you to I love you. You're my joy, my crown." And this now, too, when he my crown." And this now, too, when he my crown." And this now, too, when he says that word crown, he's like, "What says that word crown, he's like, "What says that word crown, he's like, "What does that mean?" Well, you know, first does that mean?" Well, you know, first does that mean?" Well, you know, first the joy says, "Yeah, I bring as I think the joy says, "Yeah, I bring as I think the joy says, "Yeah, I bring as I think about the church of Philippi, it brings about the church of Philippi, it brings about the church of Philippi, it brings joy to me. You know, of how you guys are joy to me. You know, of how you guys are joy to me. You know, of how you guys are serving, what's going on." But he says, serving, what's going on." But he says, serving, what's going on." But he says, "My crown." The Bible is very clear "My crown." The Bible is very clear "My crown." The Bible is very clear that there'll come a place of rewards that there'll come a place of rewards that there'll come a place of rewards for those who are followers of Christ.

for those who are followers of Christ. for those who are followers of Christ. Now, Now, Now, you don't do good things to enter into you don't do good things to enter into you don't do good things to enter into heaven. The Bible says there's none heaven. The Bible says there's none heaven. The Bible says there's none good, no not one. The Bible says there's good, no not one. The Bible says there's good, no not one. The Bible says there's nobody righteous. Nobody's right with nobody righteous. Nobody's right with nobody righteous. Nobody's right with the Lord, okay? And so, what the Holy the Lord, okay? And so, what the Holy the Lord, okay? And so, what the Holy Spirit does, Holy Spirit brings Spirit does, Holy Spirit brings Spirit does, Holy Spirit brings conviction. You'll you'll always hear us conviction. You'll you'll always hear us conviction. You'll you'll always hear us here at Central. Where wherever it's if here at Central. Where wherever it's if here at Central. Where wherever it's if it's a college students or our residents it's a college students or our residents it's a college students or our residents or interns or in preschool, we're going or interns or in preschool, we're going or interns or in preschool, we're going to be sharing the gospel of Jesus to be sharing the gospel of Jesus to be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, the death, burial, the Christ, the death, burial, the Christ, the death, burial, the resurrection of Jesus. When I pray, resurrection of Jesus. When I pray, resurrection of Jesus. When I pray, you're going to hear me say, "Thank you, you're going to hear me say, "Thank you, you're going to hear me say, "Thank you, Jesus, for going to the cross and dying Jesus, for going to the cross and dying Jesus, for going to the cross and dying for our sins and coming out of the grave for our sins and coming out of the grave for our sins and coming out of the grave on the third day." Why? It's the gospel. on the third day." Why? It's the gospel. on the third day." Why? It's the gospel. The gospel has power to it. This The gospel has power to it. This The gospel has power to it. This statement. And so, we're always going uh statement. And so, we're always going uh statement. And so, we're always going uh to be sharing that. And so, for the to be sharing that. And so, for the to be sharing that. And so, for the reason of I came to faith at Christ reason of I came to faith at Christ reason of I came to faith at Christ today he's 25. I knew about Jesus with today he's 25. I knew about Jesus with today he's 25. I knew about Jesus with my head, not my heart. So, there was my head, not my heart. So, there was my head, not my heart. So, there was conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. So, we come to salvation, but God So, we come to salvation, but God So, we come to salvation, but God changes us on the inside. There's new changes us on the inside. There's new changes us on the inside. There's new desires. There's desires to serve and to desires. There's desires to serve and to desires. There's desires to serve and to live for the Lord. And what is it? Those live for the Lord. And what is it? Those live for the Lord. And what is it? Those are what's called good things. And so, are what's called good things. And so, are what's called good things. And so, that's what happened with Paul. He's that's what happened with Paul. He's that's what happened with Paul. He's converted on the road to Damascus. Man, converted on the road to Damascus. Man, converted on the road to Damascus. Man, he starts serving the Lord. He starts he starts serving the Lord. He starts he starts serving the Lord. He starts preaching. Starts planting churches. And preaching. Starts planting churches. And preaching. Starts planting churches. And so, you know, there's going to be so, you know, there's going to be so, you know, there's going to be rewards in heaven. You don't do stuff to rewards in heaven. You don't do stuff to rewards in heaven. You don't do stuff to earn salvation cuz you can't. But once earn salvation cuz you can't. But once earn salvation cuz you can't. But once you're saved, there are good works that you're saved, there are good works that you're saved, there are good works that follow. You can read Ephesians chapter 2 follow. You can read Ephesians chapter 2 follow. You can read Ephesians chapter 2 and you'll see that. And so, Paul says, and you'll see that. And so, Paul says, and you'll see that. And so, Paul says, "My joy and my crown." He says, "I I "My joy and my crown." He says, "I I "My joy and my crown." He says, "I I love you guys. I'm excited for y'all.

love you guys. I'm excited for y'all. love you guys. I'm excited for y'all. Uh you you're doing good stuff, you Uh you you're doing good stuff, you Uh you you're doing good stuff, you know, all this stuff." And so, you got know, all this stuff." And so, you got know, all this stuff." And so, you got to realize proud of the church. They're to realize proud of the church. They're to realize proud of the church. They're reading the letter out loud to them that reading the letter out loud to them that reading the letter out loud to them that came uh from the Apostle. So, he says came uh from the Apostle. So, he says came uh from the Apostle. So, he says Next he says, "But you got to in this Next he says, "But you got to in this Next he says, "But you got to in this way stand firm in the Lord." Now, in way stand firm in the Lord." Now, in way stand firm in the Lord." Now, in this way means he's sharing with them, this way means he's sharing with them, this way means he's sharing with them, "We got to remember what I shared with "We got to remember what I shared with "We got to remember what I shared with you uh in the earlier part of the you uh in the earlier part of the you uh in the earlier part of the letter." That's what Paul says. You letter." That's what Paul says. You letter." That's what Paul says. You know, you got to You got to watch out know, you got to You got to watch out know, you got to You got to watch out for those who are the enemies of the for those who are the enemies of the for those who are the enemies of the cross of Christ. If you got a Bible with cross of Christ. If you got a Bible with cross of Christ. If you got a Bible with you, maybe you got it on your phone, you you, maybe you got it on your phone, you you, maybe you got it on your phone, you can look back up. He says, "You know, I can look back up. He says, "You know, I can look back up. He says, "You know, I say this weeping, but there's some folks say this weeping, but there's some folks say this weeping, but there's some folks who are enemies of the cross of Christ." who are enemies of the cross of Christ." who are enemies of the cross of Christ." And so, he says, "You got to watch out And so, he says, "You got to watch out And so, he says, "You got to watch out for that." And then he he also says, "In for that." And then he he also says, "In for that." And then he he also says, "In this way is that I remember that as a this way is that I remember that as a this way is that I remember that as a believer we have eternity in heaven." We believer we have eternity in heaven." We believer we have eternity in heaven." We talked about this last week that there's talked about this last week that there's talked about this last week that there's going to come a day in heaven we get a a going to come a day in heaven we get a a going to come a day in heaven we get a a brand new body. brand new body. brand new body. Uh you know, there's a great discussion Uh you know, there's a great discussion Uh you know, there's a great discussion on how old we'll be in heaven. For all on how old we'll be in heaven. For all on how old we'll be in heaven. For all of our college students who are with us of our college students who are with us of our college students who are with us today, you know, sometimes you think today, you know, sometimes you think today, you know, sometimes you think about heaven, "Well, will there be a about heaven, "Well, will there be a about heaven, "Well, will there be a baby in heaven? Will I be 20 in heaven? baby in heaven? Will I be 20 in heaven? baby in heaven? Will I be 20 in heaven? Will I be 60 in heaven? Or I'll be 94 uh Will I be 60 in heaven? Or I'll be 94 uh Will I be 60 in heaven? Or I'll be 94 uh there?" Well, there's a lot of there?" Well, there's a lot of there?" Well, there's a lot of discussing there. Some people say the discussing there. Some people say the discussing there. Some people say the prime of life, 27, 30, 33, whatever.

prime of life, 27, 30, 33, whatever. prime of life, 27, 30, 33, whatever. We're going to get a brand new body. We're going to get a brand new body. We're going to get a brand new body. We're going to walk on streets of gold. We're going to walk on streets of gold. We're going to walk on streets of gold. So, Paul says, "In this way he says, So, Paul says, "In this way he says, So, Paul says, "In this way he says, stand firm stand firm stand firm in the Lord." in the Lord." in the Lord." In the Battle of the Bulge or any In the Battle of the Bulge or any In the Battle of the Bulge or any military conflicts that we've had that military conflicts that we've had that military conflicts that we've had that we protected the United States of we protected the United States of we protected the United States of America, there are men and women who America, there are men and women who America, there are men and women who stand side by side. They have what's stand side by side. They have what's stand side by side. They have what's called American uh resolve in this. They called American uh resolve in this. They called American uh resolve in this. They uh may be a patriot. They know they're uh may be a patriot. They know they're uh may be a patriot. They know they're protecting their family so that Well, protecting their family so that Well, protecting their family so that Well, Paul says, "Stand firm in the Lord." Paul says, "Stand firm in the Lord." Paul says, "Stand firm in the Lord." You see, it's not to stand firm in just You see, it's not to stand firm in just You see, it's not to stand firm in just resolve that I'm going to be a good resolve that I'm going to be a good resolve that I'm going to be a good person. Well, he says, in the Lord. That person. Well, he says, in the Lord. That person. Well, he says, in the Lord. That means having that relationship with the means having that relationship with the means having that relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It means being born Lord Jesus Christ. It means being born Lord Jesus Christ. It means being born again. It means that you've come to that again. It means that you've come to that again. It means that you've come to that place of repentance and you put your place of repentance and you put your place of repentance and you put your faith and you have believed in him and faith and you have believed in him and faith and you have believed in him and in him alone and him only. It's the only in him alone and him only. It's the only in him alone and him only. It's the only way to have salvation that, you know, way to have salvation that, you know, way to have salvation that, you know, you know that your mama can't save you. you know that your mama can't save you. you know that your mama can't save you. You know that your daddy can't save you. You know that your daddy can't save you. You know that your daddy can't save you. You know and believe that Muhammad can't You know and believe that Muhammad can't You know and believe that Muhammad can't save you. You know Buddha can't save save you. You know Buddha can't save save you. You know Buddha can't save you. You know Hinduism can't save you.

you. You know Hinduism can't save you. you. You know Hinduism can't save you. You know you can't save yourself. It's You know you can't save yourself. It's You know you can't save yourself. It's the idea of standing firm in the Lord the idea of standing firm in the Lord the idea of standing firm in the Lord that it's in the Lord Jesus Christ and that it's in the Lord Jesus Christ and that it's in the Lord Jesus Christ and him alone. You got to know what you him alone. You got to know what you him alone. You got to know what you believe and why you believe it. And you believe and why you believe it. And you believe and why you believe it. And you got to hold your ground on that. Now, got to hold your ground on that. Now, got to hold your ground on that. Now, you know, you you might say, "Weren't you know, you you might say, "Weren't you know, you you might say, "Weren't you just brought up a bunch of stuff you just brought up a bunch of stuff you just brought up a bunch of stuff there? What if, you know, what if people there? What if, you know, what if people there? What if, you know, what if people are offended by that?" So, yesterday we are offended by that?" So, yesterday we are offended by that?" So, yesterday we had the service of one of our had the service of one of our had the service of one of our brothers here in the church. He went to brothers here in the church. He went to brothers here in the church. He went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, brother be with the Lord Jesus Christ, brother be with the Lord Jesus Christ, brother Steve Pagan. And so, the family asked Steve Pagan. And so, the family asked Steve Pagan. And so, the family asked me, said, "We want you to share the me, said, "We want you to share the me, said, "We want you to share the gospel. There's going to be a lot of gospel. There's going to be a lot of gospel. There's going to be a lot of folks here, a lot of folks in different folks here, a lot of folks in different folks here, a lot of folks in different places, a lot of people don't know the places, a lot of people don't know the places, a lot of people don't know the Lord." And they said, "Did, you know, Lord." And they said, "Did, you know, Lord." And they said, "Did, you know, you may ask questions you share the you may ask questions you share the you may ask questions you share the gospel?" Yes. They said, "Well, what'd gospel?" Yes. They said, "Well, what'd gospel?" Yes. They said, "Well, what'd you say?" I said, "Your mama can't save you say?" I said, "Your mama can't save you say?" I said, "Your mama can't save you. Your daddy can't save you. Muhammad you. Your daddy can't save you. Muhammad you. Your daddy can't save you. Muhammad can't save you. Buddha can't save you. can't save you. Buddha can't save you. can't save you. Buddha can't save you. Hinduism can't save you." Now, I want to Hinduism can't save you." Now, I want to Hinduism can't save you." Now, I want to ask you as a believer in the Lord Jesus ask you as a believer in the Lord Jesus ask you as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, now don't shout the answer out, Christ, now don't shout the answer out, Christ, now don't shout the answer out, but there's only one right answer. but there's only one right answer. but there's only one right answer. There's only one. Do you believe that? There's only one. Do you believe that? There's only one. Do you believe that? You see, that's standing firm in the You see, that's standing firm in the You see, that's standing firm in the Lord. You got to hold your ground. This Lord. You got to hold your ground. This Lord. You got to hold your ground. This is about doctrinal issues and stuff out is about doctrinal issues and stuff out is about doctrinal issues and stuff out there. And and as I shared with the there. And and as I shared with the there. And and as I shared with the crowd yesterday in the funeral, I said, crowd yesterday in the funeral, I said, crowd yesterday in the funeral, I said, "You know what? I said, "I'm not the one "You know what? I said, "I'm not the one "You know what? I said, "I'm not the one who wrote this. God did."

who wrote this. God did." who wrote this. God did." And I was teaching, preaching from And I was teaching, preaching from And I was teaching, preaching from John chapter 14:1-6. Jesus said, "I'm John chapter 14:1-6. Jesus said, "I'm John chapter 14:1-6. Jesus said, "I'm the way, the truth, and life. No one the way, the truth, and life. No one the way, the truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through me." So, comes to Father except through me." So, comes to Father except through me." So, it's the idea of standing firm in the it's the idea of standing firm in the it's the idea of standing firm in the Lord. Not not standing in your Lord. Not not standing in your Lord. Not not standing in your circumstances because circumstances circumstances because circumstances circumstances because circumstances change. And that affects everything. change. And that affects everything. change. And that affects everything. There is a There is a There is a a guy lived a long time but he wrote it a guy lived a long time but he wrote it a guy lived a long time but he wrote it is well with my soul, Horatio Spafford. is well with my soul, Horatio Spafford. is well with my soul, Horatio Spafford. Now, some of you like me had an Now, some of you like me had an Now, some of you like me had an opportunity maybe to grow up in church. opportunity maybe to grow up in church. opportunity maybe to grow up in church. Like I said, I didn't get saved till I Like I said, I didn't get saved till I Like I said, I didn't get saved till I was 25, but I knew all the songs, I knew was 25, but I knew all the songs, I knew was 25, but I knew all the songs, I knew all the hymns, I knew all that stuff, I all the hymns, I knew all that stuff, I all the hymns, I knew all that stuff, I knew all the scripture passages. I had knew all the scripture passages. I had knew all the scripture passages. I had it all in my head, not in my heart. And it all in my head, not in my heart. And it all in my head, not in my heart. And so, I was very familiar with this song so, I was very familiar with this song so, I was very familiar with this song that it is well with my soul. Well, in that it is well with my soul. Well, in that it is well with my soul. Well, in fact, Horatio Spafford was an attorney fact, Horatio Spafford was an attorney fact, Horatio Spafford was an attorney that in the Chicago fire, I believe in that in the Chicago fire, I believe in that in the Chicago fire, I believe in 1871, that history records for us that 1871, that history records for us that 1871, that history records for us that his son died in that fire. Horatio his son died in that fire. Horatio his son died in that fire. Horatio Spafford lost a lot of investments in Spafford lost a lot of investments in Spafford lost a lot of investments in that Chicago fire. Now, some of you may that Chicago fire. Now, some of you may that Chicago fire. Now, some of you may not know history, maybe brand new, you not know history, maybe brand new, you not know history, maybe brand new, you can go look it up. They He lost a lot of can go look it up. They He lost a lot of can go look it up. They He lost a lot of investments in that fire. I mean, so it investments in that fire. I mean, so it investments in that fire. I mean, so it was financial, it was devastating loss was financial, it was devastating loss was financial, it was devastating loss of life. He puts his daughters and his of life. He puts his daughters and his of life. He puts his daughters and his wife on a ship going over to England.

wife on a ship going over to England. wife on a ship going over to England. He's going to follow them later cuz he He's going to follow them later cuz he He's going to follow them later cuz he had to do work uh had to do work uh had to do work uh uh at the attorney office or whatever. uh at the attorney office or whatever. uh at the attorney office or whatever. And while they're crossing going to And while they're crossing going to And while they're crossing going to England in a ship, they run into another England in a ship, they run into another England in a ship, they run into another one, his daughters drown. It's terrible. one, his daughters drown. It's terrible. one, his daughters drown. It's terrible. And it says that when his wife did make And it says that when his wife did make And it says that when his wife did make it to England and they were rescued, he it to England and they were rescued, he it to England and they were rescued, he swam to England, she sent uh basically a swam to England, she sent uh basically a swam to England, she sent uh basically a telegram back that said, "Saved alone." telegram back that said, "Saved alone." telegram back that said, "Saved alone." It's a loss of life. Can you imagine It's a loss of life. Can you imagine It's a loss of life. Can you imagine devastation of that? If you've ever lost devastation of that? If you've ever lost devastation of that? If you've ever lost a child or children and I mean, just a child or children and I mean, just a child or children and I mean, just imagine the pain of that. So, he gets in imagine the pain of that. So, he gets in imagine the pain of that. So, he gets in a ship and he's beginning to cross on a ship and he's beginning to cross on a ship and he's beginning to cross on his way to England. his way to England. his way to England. And history says that the captain said, And history says that the captain said, And history says that the captain said, "Sir, said this is probably the location "Sir, said this is probably the location "Sir, said this is probably the location where your daughters died." where your daughters died." where your daughters died." And it was at that location that he goes And it was at that location that he goes And it was at that location that he goes out on the side of the ship and I think out on the side of the ship and I think out on the side of the ship and I think later goes back to the room and he pens later goes back to the room and he pens later goes back to the room and he pens the words, "It is well with my soul." the words, "It is well with my soul." the words, "It is well with my soul." It's well with my soul. You can see the It's well with my soul. You can see the It's well with my soul. You can see the lyrics there. He didn't say, "Well, it's lyrics there. He didn't say, "Well, it's lyrics there. He didn't say, "Well, it's okay that my daughters died." He didn't okay that my daughters died." He didn't okay that my daughters died." He didn't say, "Well, I understand God must have say, "Well, I understand God must have say, "Well, I understand God must have been doing something." He didn't say been doing something." He didn't say been doing something." He didn't say that. He didn't say, "Well, I don't that. He didn't say, "Well, I don't that. He didn't say, "Well, I don't hurt." He didn't say any of that stuff.

hurt." He didn't say any of that stuff. hurt." He didn't say any of that stuff. He He He said, "It is well with my soul He He He said, "It is well with my soul He He He said, "It is well with my soul because because because I'm standing firm I'm standing firm I'm standing firm in the Lord. in the Lord. in the Lord. If you're here today and you're not If you're here today and you're not If you're here today and you're not standing in the Lord, you need to standing in the Lord, you need to standing in the Lord, you need to understand the Bible talks about it's a understand the Bible talks about it's a understand the Bible talks about it's a shaky foundation. It's like your house shaky foundation. It's like your house shaky foundation. It's like your house is built on the shifting sand. The Lord is built on the shifting sand. The Lord is built on the shifting sand. The Lord Jesus Christ, the author of the Jesus Christ, the author of the Jesus Christ, the author of the universe, the creator of all things, the universe, the creator of all things, the universe, the creator of all things, the one who died for us on the cross, offers one who died for us on the cross, offers one who died for us on the cross, offers life and he offers it freely to us. So, life and he offers it freely to us. So, life and he offers it freely to us. So, you got to stand firm in the Lord. Now, you got to stand firm in the Lord. Now, you got to stand firm in the Lord. Now, so he encourages them, tells them stand so he encourages them, tells them stand so he encourages them, tells them stand firm. Well, then he says, "Hey, by the firm. Well, then he says, "Hey, by the firm. Well, then he says, "Hey, by the way, there's a couple ladies that I love way, there's a couple ladies that I love way, there's a couple ladies that I love very much." Now, can you imagine? Now, I very much." Now, can you imagine? Now, I very much." Now, can you imagine? Now, I know you're sitting here and you know know you're sitting here and you know know you're sitting here and you know we're going to get out here in a minute. we're going to get out here in a minute. we're going to get out here in a minute. We're going to have an invitation and We're going to have an invitation and We're going to have an invitation and all that kind of stuff. You can go eat all that kind of stuff. You can go eat all that kind of stuff. You can go eat lunch, do what you're going to do. But lunch, do what you're going to do. But lunch, do what you're going to do. But can you imagine 2,000 years ago you're can you imagine 2,000 years ago you're can you imagine 2,000 years ago you're in the crowd, in the crowd, in the crowd, there's one lady sitting over here, one there's one lady sitting over here, one there's one lady sitting over here, one lady's over there. They don't like each lady's over there. They don't like each lady's over there. They don't like each other. other. other. They're leaders in the church. They're They're leaders in the church. They're They're leaders in the church. They're just minding their own business. just minding their own business. just minding their own business. Everybody know, you know, if any of you Everybody know, you know, if any of you Everybody know, you know, if any of you grew up in small church, in a small grew up in small church, in a small grew up in small church, in a small church, you know everybody's business.

church, you know everybody's business. church, you know everybody's business. You know if there's a family that You know if there's a family that You know if there's a family that doesn't like another family, you know doesn't like another family, you know doesn't like another family, you know everything going on. And you just act everything going on. And you just act everything going on. And you just act like everything's fine. This is kind of like everything's fine. This is kind of like everything's fine. This is kind of how it works, okay? Now, in a big church how it works, okay? Now, in a big church how it works, okay? Now, in a big church you can kind of hide a little bit. Small you can kind of hide a little bit. Small you can kind of hide a little bit. Small church, everybody's in everybody's church, everybody's in everybody's church, everybody's in everybody's business, you know. So, you imagine business, you know. So, you imagine business, you know. So, you imagine they're sitting out there and they're sitting out there and they're sitting out there and they're just on either side and all of a they're just on either side and all of a they're just on either side and all of a sudden, "Hey, sudden, "Hey, sudden, "Hey, calls them by name. You adult, whoop. calls them by name. You adult, whoop. calls them by name. You adult, whoop. Synergy, whoop. Synergy, whoop. Synergy, whoop. You know? You know? You know? And everybody's like, can you imagine And everybody's like, can you imagine And everybody's like, can you imagine the other people went, "Oh, no. What's the other people went, "Oh, no. What's the other people went, "Oh, no. What's he about to say?" he about to say?" he about to say?" And he says, "Hey, these ladies, And he says, "Hey, these ladies, And he says, "Hey, these ladies, they've got a conflict." they've got a conflict." they've got a conflict." And he says, "They need to stand firm in And he says, "They need to stand firm in And he says, "They need to stand firm in unity and harmony." You know one thing unity and harmony." You know one thing unity and harmony." You know one thing that Paul does, he doesn't choose a that Paul does, he doesn't choose a that Paul does, he doesn't choose a side. side. side. You know there are two sides to every You know there are two sides to every You know there are two sides to every story. story. story. Now, one a friend of mine this morning Now, one a friend of mine this morning Now, one a friend of mine this morning after the 8:00 service said, "No, Arch, after the 8:00 service said, "No, Arch, after the 8:00 service said, "No, Arch, there's not two sides, there's three there's not two sides, there's three there's not two sides, there's three sides." I said, "Three?" He said, "Yeah, sides." I said, "Three?" He said, "Yeah, sides." I said, "Three?" He said, "Yeah, there's this side, that side, and then there's this side, that side, and then there's this side, that side, and then there's always a truth." I thought, "Oh, there's always a truth." I thought, "Oh, there's always a truth." I thought, "Oh, okay." Anyway, so two sides there. He okay." Anyway, so two sides there. He okay." Anyway, so two sides there. He doesn't choose a side, but what he does doesn't choose a side, but what he does doesn't choose a side, but what he does he reminds them of their identity in he reminds them of their identity in he reminds them of their identity in Christ. Christ. Christ. You see, what happens is that You see, what happens is that You see, what happens is that the mission of Christ far outweighs any the mission of Christ far outweighs any the mission of Christ far outweighs any conflict that we might have with a conflict that we might have with a conflict that we might have with a brother or sister in Christ. Do you brother or sister in Christ. Do you brother or sister in Christ. Do you realize when there's a conflict that it realize when there's a conflict that it realize when there's a conflict that it is a bad witness in the church? Jesus is a bad witness in the church? Jesus is a bad witness in the church? Jesus said they will know you are my disciples said they will know you are my disciples said they will know you are my disciples by the love that you have for each by the love that you have for each by the love that you have for each other. Now now get this for all the men other. Now now get this for all the men other. Now now get this for all the men and women in the room. We're not talking and women in the room. We're not talking and women in the room. We're not talking about ladies who are on a fringe. We're about ladies who are on a fringe. We're about ladies who are on a fringe. We're not talking about ladies that say one not talking about ladies that say one not talking about ladies that say one thing live another life. We're not We're thing live another life. We're not We're thing live another life. We're not We're not talking about ladies that had it in not talking about ladies that had it in not talking about ladies that had it in their head not their heart. We're their head not their heart. We're their head not their heart. We're talking about ladies who love Jesus, who talking about ladies who love Jesus, who talking about ladies who love Jesus, who serve the Lord, who were in the struggle serve the Lord, who were in the struggle serve the Lord, who were in the struggle with Paul and they're not getting along with Paul and they're not getting along with Paul and they're not getting along uh with each other. And so Paul says,

uh with each other. And so Paul says, uh with each other. And so Paul says, "Hey, I urge you, true companion." He "Hey, I urge you, true companion." He "Hey, I urge you, true companion." He says, "You're going to have to get a says, "You're going to have to get a says, "You're going to have to get a mediator. There needs to be a mediator mediator. There needs to be a mediator mediator. There needs to be a mediator to help you guys get along and figure to help you guys get along and figure to help you guys get along and figure this stuff out." And then he goes on he this stuff out." And then he goes on he this stuff out." And then he goes on he mentions Clement. So Clement's out in mentions Clement. So Clement's out in mentions Clement. So Clement's out in the crowd. You imagine Clement go, "Oh, the crowd. You imagine Clement go, "Oh, the crowd. You imagine Clement go, "Oh, okay, my name's in there." Uh said, okay, my name's in there." Uh said, okay, my name's in there." Uh said, "Clement, and then all the ones whose "Clement, and then all the ones whose "Clement, and then all the ones whose names are in the book of life." He says, names are in the book of life." He says, names are in the book of life." He says, "All those who are believers." "All those who are believers." "All those who are believers." And then he says this. He gives these And then he says this. He gives these And then he says this. He gives these three motivating factors. So I want to three motivating factors. So I want to three motivating factors. So I want to share these spiritual motivating factors share these spiritual motivating factors share these spiritual motivating factors to seek reconciliation. Then I'll come to seek reconciliation. Then I'll come to seek reconciliation. Then I'll come back and just sell some very practical back and just sell some very practical back and just sell some very practical things and kind of hammer out, okay? things and kind of hammer out, okay? things and kind of hammer out, okay? Now, because Now, because Now, because m- don't raise your hand in this, m- don't raise your hand in this, m- don't raise your hand in this, but probably to some degree but probably to some degree but probably to some degree uh I So I had four roommates all through uh I So I had four roommates all through uh I So I had four roommates all through college. college. college. Do you think we got along all the time? Do you think we got along all the time? Do you think we got along all the time? No. So you might have roommate and you No. So you might have roommate and you No. So you might have roommate and you have some conflict. have some conflict. have some conflict. In the life of the church I'll tell you In the life of the church I'll tell you In the life of the church I'll tell you what happens in the life of church. what happens in the life of church. what happens in the life of church. You may be in the life of the church so You may be in the life of the church so You may be in the life of the church so I have a lot of meetings. When you get I have a lot of meetings. When you get I have a lot of meetings. When you get about six or seven guys in a meeting who about six or seven guys in a meeting who about six or seven guys in a meeting who are type A personalities, can you are type A personalities, can you are type A personalities, can you imagine the discussion that takes place?

imagine the discussion that takes place? imagine the discussion that takes place? Because we'll we'll all kind of be like Because we'll we'll all kind of be like Because we'll we'll all kind of be like it and I'm kind of that personality. If it and I'm kind of that personality. If it and I'm kind of that personality. If you're having a meeting and it's not you're having a meeting and it's not you're having a meeting and it's not don't going very well, I will probably don't going very well, I will probably don't going very well, I will probably take control of that meeting just help take control of that meeting just help take control of that meeting just help it to move forward. You say, "Well, it to move forward. You say, "Well, it to move forward. You say, "Well, that's not very nice." I know it, but that's not very nice." I know it, but that's not very nice." I know it, but that's what you get in with like type A that's what you get in with like type A that's what you get in with like type A personalities. And so we'll be in a personalities. And so we'll be in a personalities. And so we'll be in a meeting and so it's good to have have meeting and so it's good to have have meeting and so it's good to have have input. input. input. You know, it's good to sit in a meeting You know, it's good to sit in a meeting You know, it's good to sit in a meeting and you're a grown man and you're and you're a grown man and you're and you're a grown man and you're leading the church and you got another leading the church and you got another leading the church and you got another leader in the church who will look at leader in the church who will look at leader in the church who will look at you and say, "That's the dumbest thing you and say, "That's the dumbest thing you and say, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life." Okay, now, I've ever heard in my life." Okay, now, I've ever heard in my life." Okay, now, you got to leave your ego at the door you got to leave your ego at the door you got to leave your ego at the door when that happens. So, again, as a when that happens. So, again, as a when that happens. So, again, as a believer, it's not that there's ever believer, it's not that there's ever believer, it's not that there's ever going to be conflict. What the Lord going to be conflict. What the Lord going to be conflict. What the Lord does, he shows us how to work through does, he shows us how to work through does, he shows us how to work through it. it. it. And so, it's just lessons whether if And so, it's just lessons whether if And so, it's just lessons whether if it's in the church or it's in business it's in the church or it's in business it's in the church or it's in business or whatever you're doing the rest of or whatever you're doing the rest of or whatever you're doing the rest of your life, you know, how do you do this? your life, you know, how do you do this? your life, you know, how do you do this? I mean, so, what we do in the church, I mean, so, what we do in the church, I mean, so, what we do in the church, lot of times we'll say, "You know what? lot of times we'll say, "You know what? lot of times we'll say, "You know what? We're going to agree to disagree. We're We're going to agree to disagree. We're We're going to agree to disagree. We're going to talk. We're going to work going to talk. We're going to work going to talk. We're going to work through it." But, we always say this, through it." But, we always say this, through it." But, we always say this, "At the end of the day when we come out "At the end of the day when we come out "At the end of the day when we come out of this meeting, we are going to go of this meeting, we are going to go of this meeting, we are going to go forward." You see, when you get into forward." You see, when you get into forward." You see, when you get into discussion of buying property or discussion of buying property or discussion of buying property or building buildings or just like the building buildings or just like the building buildings or just like the launch of the Como campus, it's right launch of the Como campus, it's right launch of the Como campus, it's right there among four universities in there among four universities in there among four universities in Columbia, Missouri. The resources got to Columbia, Missouri. The resources got to Columbia, Missouri. The resources got to You're going to have differences of You're going to have differences of You're going to have differences of opinion. And if you don't watch it, the opinion. And if you don't watch it, the opinion. And if you don't watch it, the enemy will take that and cause great enemy will take that and cause great enemy will take that and cause great conflict in the church. And so, what conflict in the church. And so, what conflict in the church. And so, what does the Lord say? He says, "Hey, we may does the Lord say? He says, "Hey, we may does the Lord say? He says, "Hey, we may have differences of opinion. At the end have differences of opinion. At the end have differences of opinion. At the end of the day, we're going to come out and of the day, we're going to come out and of the day, we're going to come out and we're going to go forward." And that's we're going to go forward." And that's we're going to go forward." And that's what he says. He says to these ladies, what he says. He says to these ladies, what he says. He says to these ladies, he says, "They got to get along. I'm not he says, "They got to get along. I'm not he says, "They got to get along. I'm not choosing sides in this, but the mission choosing sides in this, but the mission choosing sides in this, but the mission is greater than the conflict that they is greater than the conflict that they is greater than the conflict that they have." They got to get a mediator and

have." They got to get a mediator and have." They got to get a mediator and all the folks in Book of Acts. So, he all the folks in Book of Acts. So, he all the folks in Book of Acts. So, he says this, three motivating factors. He says this, three motivating factors. He says this, three motivating factors. He says, "Rejoice in the Lord." says, "Rejoice in the Lord." says, "Rejoice in the Lord." What? So, maybe maybe What? So, maybe maybe What? So, maybe maybe you have a roommate. Maybe you're in you have a roommate. Maybe you're in you have a roommate. Maybe you're in school. Maybe you're working. You you school. Maybe you're working. You you school. Maybe you're working. You you know, sharing the rent. Whatever. know, sharing the rent. Whatever. know, sharing the rent. Whatever. Uh maybe you're married. Uh maybe you're married. Uh maybe you're married. Do you realize that if you don't reserve Do you realize that if you don't reserve Do you realize that if you don't reserve conflict, if you do not uh conflict, if you do not uh conflict, if you do not uh remove the conflict in a marriage and remove the conflict in a marriage and remove the conflict in a marriage and try to reconcile, the wall will get try to reconcile, the wall will get try to reconcile, the wall will get thicker between you and your spouse. thicker between you and your spouse. thicker between you and your spouse. So, what can start out So, what can start out So, what can start out as you have a as you have a as you have a argument over the washing of clothes, argument over the washing of clothes, argument over the washing of clothes, okay, as a husband and wife, okay, as a husband and wife, okay, as a husband and wife, and it and it gets a little heated, and and it and it gets a little heated, and and it and it gets a little heated, and if you don't watch it, the wall gets if you don't watch it, the wall gets if you don't watch it, the wall gets thicker, and then somebody says thicker, and then somebody says thicker, and then somebody says something about somebody's mama. something about somebody's mama. something about somebody's mama. You start talking about somebody's mama, You start talking about somebody's mama, You start talking about somebody's mama, it's on. And what happens to what you it's on. And what happens to what you it's on. And what happens to what you thought I couldn't happen, we're going thought I couldn't happen, we're going thought I couldn't happen, we're going to live on love. Just stay married for a to live on love. Just stay married for a to live on love. Just stay married for a while, okay? So, you know that. while, okay? So, you know that. while, okay? So, you know that. But, But, But, it it can be somebody's got to initiate.

it it can be somebody's got to initiate. it it can be somebody's got to initiate. Like I said, you got to come back and Like I said, you got to come back and Like I said, you got to come back and say, "I'm sorry about saying that about say, "I'm sorry about saying that about say, "I'm sorry about saying that about your mama." You know? That's it, cuz if your mama." You know? That's it, cuz if your mama." You know? That's it, cuz if you don't, the wall gets thick. So, you don't, the wall gets thick. So, you don't, the wall gets thick. So, maybe it's a maybe it's someone your maybe it's a maybe it's someone your maybe it's a maybe it's someone your roommate at school, or you know, as you roommate at school, or you know, as you roommate at school, or you know, as you done your share in the rent, you're done your share in the rent, you're done your share in the rent, you're working in the workforce, whatever. Or working in the workforce, whatever. Or working in the workforce, whatever. Or you're married, or it's said a business. you're married, or it's said a business. you're married, or it's said a business. It's a work associate. Or here, there It's a work associate. Or here, there It's a work associate. Or here, there there's all these issues. So, he says, there's all these issues. So, he says, there's all these issues. So, he says, "Rejoice in the Lord." Okay, so what "Rejoice in the Lord." Okay, so what "Rejoice in the Lord." Okay, so what does that mean? does that mean? does that mean? Well, Well, Well, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can rejoice in forgiveness. we can rejoice in forgiveness. we can rejoice in forgiveness. Now, how many of you sinned this past Now, how many of you sinned this past Now, how many of you sinned this past week? week? week? For all you didn't raise your hand, we For all you didn't raise your hand, we For all you didn't raise your hand, we are going to have an invitation just a are going to have an invitation just a are going to have an invitation just a moment, okay? You can come repent, cuz moment, okay? You can come repent, cuz moment, okay? You can come repent, cuz you lied. Now, we all sin. We are you lied. Now, we all sin. We are you lied. Now, we all sin. We are perfect in position as believers in perfect in position as believers in perfect in position as believers in Christ, but not always perfect in Christ, but not always perfect in Christ, but not always perfect in practice. Some of you got mad last week, practice. Some of you got mad last week, practice. Some of you got mad last week, some of you got angry, some of you said some of you got angry, some of you said some of you got angry, some of you said some words you shouldn't have said, and some words you shouldn't have said, and some words you shouldn't have said, and all that stuff. But, you know what? You all that stuff. But, you know what? You all that stuff. But, you know what? You are as white as snow before the Lord. are as white as snow before the Lord. are as white as snow before the Lord. The righteousness of the Lord Jesus The righteousness of the Lord Jesus The righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ is applied to you. It's imputed. Christ is applied to you. It's imputed. Christ is applied to you. It's imputed. That's a biblical kind of a theological That's a biblical kind of a theological That's a biblical kind of a theological word. It's imputed to you at the time of word. It's imputed to you at the time of word. It's imputed to you at the time of faith. It's placed upon you, so you're faith. It's placed upon you, so you're faith. It's placed upon you, so you're clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

clothed in the righteousness of Christ. clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The Father looks at you, he sees the The Father looks at you, he sees the The Father looks at you, he sees the righteousness of his Son, the Lord Jesus righteousness of his Son, the Lord Jesus righteousness of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses. You Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses. You Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses. You can rejoice in forgiveness. You are can rejoice in forgiveness. You are can rejoice in forgiveness. You are forgiven. You Some of you who are forgiven. You Some of you who are forgiven. You Some of you who are younger, you're going to run into a younger, you're going to run into a younger, you're going to run into a situation where somebody's going to say, situation where somebody's going to say, situation where somebody's going to say, "I will love you if you do this for me." "I will love you if you do this for me." "I will love you if you do this for me." You see, their love is conditional. You see, their love is conditional. You see, their love is conditional. And they'll say, "I will love you if And they'll say, "I will love you if And they'll say, "I will love you if you'll dot the eyes and cross the t's. I you'll dot the eyes and cross the t's. I you'll dot the eyes and cross the t's. I will love you if you'll do this." Well, will love you if you'll do this." Well, will love you if you'll do this." Well, Cuz not the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible Cuz not the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible Cuz not the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says tells us in Romans 5:8 that Christ says tells us in Romans 5:8 that Christ says tells us in Romans 5:8 that Christ loved us so much that he went to the loved us so much that he went to the loved us so much that he went to the cross and died for us while we were yet cross and died for us while we were yet cross and died for us while we were yet sinners before we were even born. This sinners before we were even born. This sinners before we were even born. This is what Christ did. He demonstrated that is what Christ did. He demonstrated that is what Christ did. He demonstrated that love for us. Greatest gift was him dying love for us. Greatest gift was him dying love for us. Greatest gift was him dying on the cross. And and so you're on the cross. And and so you're on the cross. And and so you're forgiven. We rejoice in that. That if forgiven. We rejoice in that. That if forgiven. We rejoice in that. That if you think about our failures and our you think about our failures and our you think about our failures and our mistakes even as believers that we're mistakes even as believers that we're mistakes even as believers that we're still as white as snow before the Lord. still as white as snow before the Lord. still as white as snow before the Lord. The grace of God that you're able to The grace of God that you're able to The grace of God that you're able to hear the good news of Christ, the gospel hear the good news of Christ, the gospel hear the good news of Christ, the gospel and respond. So many people have never and respond. So many people have never and respond. So many people have never heard uh the gospel of the Lord Jesus heard uh the gospel of the Lord Jesus heard uh the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. So many people have never heard Christ. So many people have never heard Christ. So many people have never heard a very simple message from Philippians a very simple message from Philippians a very simple message from Philippians chapter 4 even about reconciliation.

chapter 4 even about reconciliation. chapter 4 even about reconciliation. They never heard it before. Never heard They never heard it before. Never heard They never heard it before. Never heard the name of Jesus. But because of the the name of Jesus. But because of the the name of Jesus. But because of the graciousness of God, wherever you were graciousness of God, wherever you were graciousness of God, wherever you were born, you're here today, you get to hear born, you're here today, you get to hear born, you're here today, you get to hear that. It's the grace of God, the that. It's the grace of God, the that. It's the grace of God, the undeserved favor of God. We could just undeserved favor of God. We could just undeserved favor of God. We could just go on about how to rejoice in the Lord. go on about how to rejoice in the Lord. go on about how to rejoice in the Lord. It's hard to hold a grudge against It's hard to hold a grudge against It's hard to hold a grudge against somebody and it's hard not to extend somebody and it's hard not to extend somebody and it's hard not to extend grace to them when you are rejoicing in grace to them when you are rejoicing in grace to them when you are rejoicing in the grace of the Lord that he has given the grace of the Lord that he has given the grace of the Lord that he has given you. It's It's hard not to forgive them you. It's It's hard not to forgive them you. It's It's hard not to forgive them when you're rejoicing in how the Lord when you're rejoicing in how the Lord when you're rejoicing in how the Lord has forgiven you. has forgiven you. has forgiven you. It's hard to not you know when you're It's hard to not you know when you're It's hard to not you know when you're rejoicing in the joy of the Lord's rejoicing in the joy of the Lord's rejoicing in the joy of the Lord's salvation in your life. It's hard not to salvation in your life. It's hard not to salvation in your life. It's hard not to extend that joy. So he says, "Rejoice in extend that joy. So he says, "Rejoice in extend that joy. So he says, "Rejoice in the Lord." Rejoicing in the Lord is one the Lord." Rejoicing in the Lord is one the Lord." Rejoicing in the Lord is one of the common denominators to help bring of the common denominators to help bring of the common denominators to help bring reconciliation in relationships cuz it reconciliation in relationships cuz it reconciliation in relationships cuz it helps you not to hold stuff. And he helps you not to hold stuff. And he helps you not to hold stuff. And he says, "Your gentle spirit be known." says, "Your gentle spirit be known." says, "Your gentle spirit be known." When you have a gentle spirit, you're When you have a gentle spirit, you're When you have a gentle spirit, you're not angry. You're not combative. You not angry. You're not combative. You not angry. You're not combative. You know there are folks who just are angry know there are folks who just are angry know there are folks who just are angry and it just comes out and that's just a and it just comes out and that's just a and it just comes out and that's just a symptom of something that's in there. symptom of something that's in there. symptom of something that's in there. But when you have that gentle spirit, But when you have that gentle spirit, But when you have that gentle spirit, the Holy Spirit is working within you. the Holy Spirit is working within you. the Holy Spirit is working within you. You know, you're rejoicing in the Lord. You know, you're rejoicing in the Lord. You know, you're rejoicing in the Lord. You're spending time in his word. You're You're spending time in his word. You're You're spending time in his word. You're spending time in prayer. You're spending time in prayer. You're spending time in prayer. You're rejoicing in the in the holiness of God rejoicing in the in the holiness of God rejoicing in the in the holiness of God and who he is and this stuff. Again, and who he is and this stuff. Again, and who he is and this stuff. Again, it's hard to hold a grudge. You have a it's hard to hold a grudge. You have a it's hard to hold a grudge. You have a gentle spirit. And then he says, "The gentle spirit. And then he says, "The gentle spirit. And then he says, "The Lord is near."

Lord is near." Lord is near." Now this is the presence of God. That's Now this is the presence of God. That's Now this is the presence of God. That's one aspect that he is near to us, but one aspect that he is near to us, but one aspect that he is near to us, but it's also in regard to his return that it's also in regard to his return that it's also in regard to his return that he's coming back. You see, the mission he's coming back. You see, the mission he's coming back. You see, the mission that God has given us in the life of the that God has given us in the life of the that God has given us in the life of the church is greater than any conflict that church is greater than any conflict that church is greater than any conflict that we may experience in you know, we may experience in you know, we may experience in you know, internally. And what Christ says and internally. And what Christ says and internally. And what Christ says and what the Lord tells us, hey, we got to what the Lord tells us, hey, we got to what the Lord tells us, hey, we got to work through that and work that out. work through that and work that out. work through that and work that out. Now, let me give you some practical Now, let me give you some practical Now, let me give you some practical application because if you've never had application because if you've never had application because if you've never had a relationship issue yet with someone, I a relationship issue yet with someone, I a relationship issue yet with someone, I don't want to discourage you today on don't want to discourage you today on don't want to discourage you today on this Sunday in August, but there will this Sunday in August, but there will this Sunday in August, but there will probably be a time when something is probably be a time when something is probably be a time when something is going to happen. And sometimes what going to happen. And sometimes what going to happen. And sometimes what happens is people hold stuff and do that happens is people hold stuff and do that happens is people hold stuff and do that and it begins to grow. So, what's some and it begins to grow. So, what's some and it begins to grow. So, what's some practical things? So, number one, here practical things? So, number one, here practical things? So, number one, here you've got to recognize the conflict. you've got to recognize the conflict. you've got to recognize the conflict. You just got to call it what it is. And You just got to call it what it is. And You just got to call it what it is. And and basically, too, you need to and basically, too, you need to and basically, too, you need to understand that you cannot you know, you understand that you cannot you know, you understand that you cannot you know, you can't avoid the conflict. You've got to can't avoid the conflict. You've got to can't avoid the conflict. You've got to address it. But, you got to recognize address it. But, you got to recognize address it. But, you got to recognize it. It's what's known as one of the six it. It's what's known as one of the six it. It's what's known as one of the six R's, okay? So, you got to recognize it. R's, okay? So, you got to recognize it. R's, okay? So, you got to recognize it. You got to admit it. You just got to You got to admit it. You just got to You got to admit it. You just got to call it what it is. You know, there's an call it what it is. You know, there's an call it what it is. You know, there's an issue with the roommate. There's an issue with the roommate. There's an issue with the roommate. There's an issue in the marriage.

issue in the marriage. issue in the marriage. Uh you know, the Bible So, Angie and I, Uh you know, the Bible So, Angie and I, Uh you know, the Bible So, Angie and I, we've been married for 38 years. And uh we've been married for 38 years. And uh we've been married for 38 years. And uh I guess the older we get now, but we go I guess the older we get now, but we go I guess the older we get now, but we go to bed, we just pass out. We're to bed, we just pass out. We're to bed, we just pass out. We're exhausted. Okay. exhausted. Okay. exhausted. Okay. But, when we were younger and we were But, when we were younger and we were But, when we were younger and we were first married, I I learned some things first married, I I learned some things first married, I I learned some things about her, okay? about her, okay? about her, okay? We got married and uh you know how guys We got married and uh you know how guys We got married and uh you know how guys are, ladies? You know how guys are? They are, ladies? You know how guys are? They are, ladies? You know how guys are? They say stuff like dumb stuff. say stuff like dumb stuff. say stuff like dumb stuff. You know how we say dumb stuff? Any lady You know how we say dumb stuff? Any lady You know how we say dumb stuff? Any lady understand guys say dumb stuff? understand guys say dumb stuff? understand guys say dumb stuff? And then they go, "What did I do?" And then they go, "What did I do?" And then they go, "What did I do?" "What did I do?" "What did I do?" "What did I do?" Okay? Well, Okay? Well, Okay? Well, I would do something dumb, say something I would do something dumb, say something I would do something dumb, say something dumb. dumb. dumb. Uh we would get in the bed at night. I Uh we would get in the bed at night. I Uh we would get in the bed at night. I was scouting. I was in the ag business, was scouting. I was in the ag business, was scouting. I was in the ag business, you know, outside all time and you know, outside all time and you know, outside all time and I get in bed, I'm tired and I get in bed, I'm tired and I get in bed, I'm tired and I'd be about to go to sleep and I'd hear I'd be about to go to sleep and I'd hear I'd be about to go to sleep and I'd hear the covers go You know, so your guy, you're married, You know, so your guy, you're married, you've been working, you you're about to you've been working, you you're about to you've been working, you you're about to pass pass pass >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> That was sign >> That was sign >> That was sign that I had done something dumb.

that I had done something dumb. that I had done something dumb. Okay? And then I learned to say, "Now, Okay? And then I learned to say, "Now, Okay? And then I learned to say, "Now, what did I do?" And then you begin to what did I do?" And then you begin to what did I do?" And then you begin to have a The Bible says, have a The Bible says, have a The Bible says, "Don't let the sun go down on your "Don't let the sun go down on your "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." anger." anger." You see, you got to address it. You got You see, you got to address it. You got You see, you got to address it. You got to realize what it is. You got to to realize what it is. You got to to realize what it is. You got to recognize it. This is happens and that recognize it. This is happens and that recognize it. This is happens and that Here Here's another one, too. Here Here's another one, too. Here Here's another one, too. Reconciliation is always a goal. Reconciliation is always a goal. Reconciliation is always a goal. You know, you got to agree with the Lord You know, you got to agree with the Lord You know, you got to agree with the Lord is The Lord desires for us to be is The Lord desires for us to be is The Lord desires for us to be reconciled to one another. Now, and this reconciled to one another. Now, and this reconciled to one another. Now, and this is he's writing those in the church, but is he's writing those in the church, but is he's writing those in the church, but specifically also this is for outside specifically also this is for outside specifically also this is for outside the church. You got to remember who the the church. You got to remember who the the church. You got to remember who the real enemy is. Sometimes what happens to real enemy is. Sometimes what happens to real enemy is. Sometimes what happens to when a husband and wife is the enemy, when a husband and wife is the enemy, when a husband and wife is the enemy, the devil himself, the devil himself, the devil himself, wants you to think that your spouse is wants you to think that your spouse is wants you to think that your spouse is the enemy. Your spouse is not the boxing the enemy. Your spouse is not the boxing the enemy. Your spouse is not the boxing opponent in that. And so, you got to opponent in that. And so, you got to opponent in that. And so, you got to realize who the real enemy is. The real realize who the real enemy is. The real realize who the real enemy is. The real enemy wants to get involved, cause these enemy wants to get involved, cause these enemy wants to get involved, cause these things in relationships to happen. That things in relationships to happen. That things in relationships to happen. That was what's going on in church. So, was what's going on in church. So, was what's going on in church. So, again, let me just reiterate real quick. again, let me just reiterate real quick. again, let me just reiterate real quick. We're going to have an invitation. We're We're going to have an invitation. We're We're going to have an invitation. We're going to be out of here. But, going to be out of here. But, going to be out of here. But, the enemy was wanting those ladies to the enemy was wanting those ladies to the enemy was wanting those ladies to say, "Well, you're godly ladies and say, "Well, you're godly ladies and say, "Well, you're godly ladies and you're right and she's wrong and, you you're right and she's wrong and, you you're right and she's wrong and, you know, this how the church is with you know, this how the church is with you know, this how the church is with you and this how the church is with you."

and this how the church is with you." and this how the church is with you." And the enemy was making them, you know, And the enemy was making them, you know, And the enemy was making them, you know, to be to realize or to begin to think to be to realize or to begin to think to be to realize or to begin to think that the other person was the enemy. No, that the other person was the enemy. No, that the other person was the enemy. No, realize who the real enemy is. You got realize who the real enemy is. You got realize who the real enemy is. You got to recruit a mediator. A mediator is not to recruit a mediator. A mediator is not to recruit a mediator. A mediator is not somebody who's just going to meddle uh somebody who's just going to meddle uh somebody who's just going to meddle uh in the middle of something, but somebody in the middle of something, but somebody in the middle of something, but somebody who could be known as a peacemaker to who could be known as a peacemaker to who could be known as a peacemaker to kind of help work through that. Refuse kind of help work through that. Refuse kind of help work through that. Refuse to derail the mission, okay? You We to derail the mission, okay? You We to derail the mission, okay? You We don't need to don't need to don't need to work against each other in the church. work against each other in the church. work against each other in the church. We got to stay united. And then here's We got to stay united. And then here's We got to stay united. And then here's one more. You got to rest in the gospel. one more. You got to rest in the gospel. one more. You got to rest in the gospel. The gospel unites us despite our The gospel unites us despite our The gospel unites us despite our differences. You know, we've probably differences. You know, we've probably differences. You know, we've probably all been a part of churches sometimes. all been a part of churches sometimes. all been a part of churches sometimes. Here's what happens and whether you're a Here's what happens and whether you're a Here's what happens and whether you're a student or you're working in business or student or you're working in business or student or you're working in business or whatever it's going on or stay-at-home whatever it's going on or stay-at-home whatever it's going on or stay-at-home mom. And when you stay-at-home mom, mom. And when you stay-at-home mom, mom. And when you stay-at-home mom, that's work. You couldn't pay me enough that's work. You couldn't pay me enough that's work. You couldn't pay me enough money to do that. I just want you to money to do that. I just want you to money to do that. I just want you to know that. That's a whole big job in of know that. That's a whole big job in of know that. That's a whole big job in of itself itself itself doing all that. That didn't go over doing all that. That didn't go over doing all that. That didn't go over well, did it? Okay, so, well, did it? Okay, so, well, did it? Okay, so, but you know what I mean. but you know what I mean. but you know what I mean. Regardless of of what's going on or what Regardless of of what's going on or what Regardless of of what's going on or what what's happening that, you know, again what's happening that, you know, again what's happening that, you know, again we are to we are to we are to uh uh uh Sometimes what I get asked, people get Sometimes what I get asked, people get Sometimes what I get asked, people get so mad they just end up leaving the so mad they just end up leaving the so mad they just end up leaving the church.

church. church. They just get so mad at something. And They just get so mad at something. And They just get so mad at something. And so what encourages us like like this, so what encourages us like like this, so what encourages us like like this, don't don't leave a church, but be the don't don't leave a church, but be the don't don't leave a church, but be the church and work it out. Now, here's one church and work it out. Now, here's one church and work it out. Now, here's one other one other thing. other one other thing. other one other thing. Don't tear down the other person, but Don't tear down the other person, but Don't tear down the other person, but instead humble yourself. instead humble yourself. instead humble yourself. Now, I got this from Blake Legan, okay, Now, I got this from Blake Legan, okay, Now, I got this from Blake Legan, okay, pastor at Perigord. So, when we work on pastor at Perigord. So, when we work on pastor at Perigord. So, when we work on our message, so whoever's preaching out our message, so whoever's preaching out our message, so whoever's preaching out in the greenhouse, whatever Jake is up in the greenhouse, whatever Jake is up in the greenhouse, whatever Jake is up at Columbia, Missouri, Blake's at at Columbia, Missouri, Blake's at at Columbia, Missouri, Blake's at Perigord, we work on these texts Perigord, we work on these texts Perigord, we work on these texts together. together. together. But it's really good. If you need others But it's really good. If you need others But it's really good. If you need others to know what someone did to you, you're to know what someone did to you, you're to know what someone did to you, you're probably not trying to reconcile, you're probably not trying to reconcile, you're probably not trying to reconcile, you're trying to recruit. trying to recruit. trying to recruit. So, if you need others to know what So, if you need others to know what So, if you need others to know what somebody did to you, you're probably not somebody did to you, you're probably not somebody did to you, you're probably not trying to reconcile, you're trying to trying to reconcile, you're trying to trying to reconcile, you're trying to recruit. You're trying to build your recruit. You're trying to build your recruit. You're trying to build your side in this. You got to be very careful side in this. You got to be very careful side in this. You got to be very careful in trying to tear that other person in trying to tear that other person in trying to tear that other person down. That's how you seek down. That's how you seek down. That's how you seek reconciliation, whether if it's reconciliation, whether if it's reconciliation, whether if it's roommate, whether it's in business, roommate, whether it's in business, roommate, whether it's in business, whatever it is, how people talk and whatever it is, how people talk and whatever it is, how people talk and things happen. So, how do we apply this things happen. So, how do we apply this things happen. So, how do we apply this to our lives? How do we How do we live to our lives? How do we How do we live to our lives? How do we How do we live this out, okay? this out, okay? this out, okay? Conflict can happen among believers. So, Conflict can happen among believers. So, Conflict can happen among believers. So, it's inevitable, it will. Just it's inevitable, it will. Just it's inevitable, it will. Just differences of opinion, that kind of differences of opinion, that kind of differences of opinion, that kind of stuff, and that's okay.

stuff, and that's okay. stuff, and that's okay. But also you got to realize that But also you got to realize that But also you got to realize that uh uh uh the Lord shows us how to engage in it, the Lord shows us how to engage in it, the Lord shows us how to engage in it, and we can learn from it, and we can get and we can learn from it, and we can get and we can learn from it, and we can get through this on the other side. So, through this on the other side. So, through this on the other side. So, maybe you're here as a believer this maybe you're here as a believer this maybe you're here as a believer this morning, and the invitation for you is morning, and the invitation for you is morning, and the invitation for you is that the Holy Spirit's really has really that the Holy Spirit's really has really that the Holy Spirit's really has really pierced your heart, you know, stuck you pierced your heart, you know, stuck you pierced your heart, you know, stuck you in such a way that you realize that, in such a way that you realize that, in such a way that you realize that, hey, I've been wavering. I'm not hey, I've been wavering. I'm not hey, I've been wavering. I'm not standing firm in the Lord. Maybe you're standing firm in the Lord. Maybe you're standing firm in the Lord. Maybe you're here and you say, I've been wavering, here and you say, I've been wavering, here and you say, I've been wavering, I'm not a part of a group. You know, we I'm not a part of a group. You know, we I'm not a part of a group. You know, we got we got so many groups going on, so got we got so many groups going on, so got we got so many groups going on, so many things that are happening in the many things that are happening in the many things that are happening in the mornings, at night, and Wednesday mornings, at night, and Wednesday mornings, at night, and Wednesday nights, whenever. Maybe the Lord has nights, whenever. Maybe the Lord has nights, whenever. Maybe the Lord has really convicted you not a part of a really convicted you not a part of a really convicted you not a part of a group. You know, we've had baptism. And group. You know, we've had baptism. And group. You know, we've had baptism. And and maybe you're here and you're and maybe you're here and you're and maybe you're here and you're believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, you believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, you never been baptized by immersion. You never been baptized by immersion. You never been baptized by immersion. You know that's an that's a an act of faith. know that's an that's a an act of faith. know that's an that's a an act of faith. You know how that's biblical? Jesus said You know how that's biblical? Jesus said You know how that's biblical? Jesus said go and make disciples baptizing in the go and make disciples baptizing in the go and make disciples baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy name of the Father, Son, and Holy name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I mean we're commanded to be Spirit. I mean we're commanded to be Spirit. I mean we're commanded to be baptized by immersion. It doesn't save baptized by immersion. It doesn't save baptized by immersion. It doesn't save us, but it demonstrates people where us, but it demonstrates people where us, but it demonstrates people where are. Maybe that's where y'all this are. Maybe that's where y'all this are. Maybe that's where y'all this morning. So the invitation is you're not morning. So the invitation is you're not morning. So the invitation is you're not standing firm standing firm standing firm in the Lord in that. And so maybe today in the Lord in that. And so maybe today in the Lord in that. And so maybe today is that place of repentance for a is that place of repentance for a is that place of repentance for a believer that you guys say I got to get believer that you guys say I got to get believer that you guys say I got to get this right. I need to be baptized by this right. I need to be baptized by this right. I need to be baptized by immersion. There'll be pastors here.

immersion. There'll be pastors here. immersion. There'll be pastors here. Come and tell one of the guys, hey I Come and tell one of the guys, hey I Come and tell one of the guys, hey I need to be baptized by immersion. And need to be baptized by immersion. And need to be baptized by immersion. And guess what? We got shorts and we got guess what? We got shorts and we got guess what? We got shorts and we got t-shirts and we have so many people on t-shirts and we have so many people on t-shirts and we have so many people on campus it's going to take you a little campus it's going to take you a little campus it's going to take you a little while to get off campus, you know that, while to get off campus, you know that, while to get off campus, you know that, right? So you might as well just enjoy right? So you might as well just enjoy right? So you might as well just enjoy life and we have baptism right after the life and we have baptism right after the life and we have baptism right after the service. There'll be a lot of folks service. There'll be a lot of folks service. There'll be a lot of folks here. Pastors will be here and other here. Pastors will be here and other here. Pastors will be here and other people will be here, too. So I'm kind of people will be here, too. So I'm kind of people will be here, too. So I'm kind of so we that's opportunity. The water's so we that's opportunity. The water's so we that's opportunity. The water's still warm. So you can do that. So still warm. So you can do that. So still warm. So you can do that. So again, maybe it's an invitation. Maybe again, maybe it's an invitation. Maybe again, maybe it's an invitation. Maybe too you realize that too you realize that too you realize that you know the you know the you know the when you get four guys living together when you get four guys living together when you get four guys living together and you don't know each other. Boy, and you don't know each other. Boy, and you don't know each other. Boy, after about the first day you're like, I after about the first day you're like, I after about the first day you're like, I don't know if I like him that much. don't know if I like him that much. don't know if I like him that much. Okay, so Okay, so Okay, so maybe you're here this morning. So I maybe you're here this morning. So I maybe you're here this morning. So I just use that example cuz school's back. just use that example cuz school's back. just use that example cuz school's back. Roommates may maybe husband and wife, Roommates may maybe husband and wife, Roommates may maybe husband and wife, maybe work associates. You say, you know maybe work associates. You say, you know maybe work associates. You say, you know what? I need to reconcile something. what? I need to reconcile something. what? I need to reconcile something. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to take the first step. Maybe you need to go to your spouse and Maybe you need to go to your spouse and Maybe you need to go to your spouse and say, I did not mean to say that about say, I did not mean to say that about say, I did not mean to say that about your mama. Okay, really. your mama. Okay, really. your mama. Okay, really. Forgive me in that. You may think, well Forgive me in that. You may think, well Forgive me in that. You may think, well that doesn't really happen. Oh yeah, it that doesn't really happen. Oh yeah, it that doesn't really happen. Oh yeah, it does. So you know, it's not some work.

does. So you know, it's not some work. does. So you know, it's not some work. So maybe you need to do that. Maybe it's So maybe you need to do that. Maybe it's So maybe you need to do that. Maybe it's this morning that you say, okay, there's this morning that you say, okay, there's this morning that you say, okay, there's some other stuff I need to you know, I some other stuff I need to you know, I some other stuff I need to you know, I need to Archie, could there be someone need to Archie, could there be someone need to Archie, could there be someone in church help me maybe be a mediator to in church help me maybe be a mediator to in church help me maybe be a mediator to help work through this. Yes, okay. So help work through this. Yes, okay. So help work through this. Yes, okay. So maybe that's the invitation for you. But maybe that's the invitation for you. But maybe that's the invitation for you. But here's what I want to say is the most here's what I want to say is the most here's what I want to say is the most important, okay? Here's what I know. I I would assume that the majority of you would assume that the majority of you would assume that the majority of you have heard of Jesus Christ before. have heard of Jesus Christ before. have heard of Jesus Christ before. Okay, I would assume the majority have. Okay, I would assume the majority have. Okay, I would assume the majority have. Maybe here today and first time you ever Maybe here today and first time you ever Maybe here today and first time you ever heard of Jesus, I said I'm so glad heard of Jesus, I said I'm so glad heard of Jesus, I said I'm so glad you're here, okay? Majority of you heard you're here, okay? Majority of you heard you're here, okay? Majority of you heard of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. I would say that the majority of you I would say that the majority of you I would say that the majority of you would say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." would say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." would say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." But I'd say there's a large percentage But I'd say there's a large percentage But I'd say there's a large percentage that is right here. that is right here. that is right here. And it's never made it right here. And it's never made it right here. And it's never made it right here. Okay? Okay? Okay? Maybe you're here and you think, "Well, Maybe you're here and you think, "Well, Maybe you're here and you think, "Well, I'm just going to try to earn my way. I'm just going to try to earn my way. I'm just going to try to earn my way. I'm going to try to be good enough." I'm going to try to be good enough." I'm going to try to be good enough." You'll never be good enough. Doesn't You'll never be good enough. Doesn't You'll never be good enough. Doesn't work that way. You know, if you think work that way. You know, if you think work that way. You know, if you think you can be good enough, you're denying you can be good enough, you're denying you can be good enough, you're denying what took place at the cross at Calvary. what took place at the cross at Calvary. what took place at the cross at Calvary. If you think you can be good enough, If you think you can be good enough, If you think you can be good enough, you're trying to go around the cross. you're trying to go around the cross. you're trying to go around the cross. And so maybe you're here and you say, And so maybe you're here and you say, And so maybe you're here and you say, "Man, Arch, I I you know, maybe you "Man, Arch, I I you know, maybe you "Man, Arch, I I you know, maybe you begin to realize that. Maybe you you begin to realize that. Maybe you you begin to realize that. Maybe you you sense the Holy Spirit is drawing you.

sense the Holy Spirit is drawing you. sense the Holy Spirit is drawing you. Bringing conviction of sin. Maybe you've Bringing conviction of sin. Maybe you've Bringing conviction of sin. Maybe you've been trying to find peace in been trying to find peace in been trying to find peace in relationships and stuff and things and relationships and stuff and things and relationships and stuff and things and and maybe the Holy Spirit's really and maybe the Holy Spirit's really and maybe the Holy Spirit's really convicted you today that that's not convicted you today that that's not convicted you today that that's not where the peace is. Jesus Christ died on where the peace is. Jesus Christ died on where the peace is. Jesus Christ died on that cross at Calvary for you and me." that cross at Calvary for you and me." that cross at Calvary for you and me." And he came out of that grave on third And he came out of that grave on third And he came out of that grave on third day. And Jesus Christ says, "If you come day. And Jesus Christ says, "If you come day. And Jesus Christ says, "If you come to me," to me," to me," he says, "I'll save you." Jesus says, he says, "I'll save you." Jesus says, he says, "I'll save you." Jesus says, "If you confess with your mouth that "If you confess with your mouth that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in the Jesus is Lord and believe in the Jesus is Lord and believe in the uh you know, believe the Father that God uh you know, believe the Father that God uh you know, believe the Father that God raised him from the dead, you shall be raised him from the dead, you shall be raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." saved." saved." And so if you come to him in faith and And so if you come to him in faith and And so if you come to him in faith and you come to him in repentance, he'll you come to him in repentance, he'll you come to him in repentance, he'll save you today. It's not that I'm trying save you today. It's not that I'm trying save you today. It's not that I'm trying to talk you into something cuz somebody to talk you into something cuz somebody to talk you into something cuz somebody can talk you out of it. can talk you out of it. can talk you out of it. But it can be that you know the Holy But it can be that you know the Holy But it can be that you know the Holy Spirit is drawing you. You know what Spirit is drawing you. You know what Spirit is drawing you. You know what he's saying to you today. he's saying to you today. he's saying to you today. Maybe today it's going from here and Maybe today it's going from here and Maybe today it's going from here and it's going to here. it's going to here. it's going to here. Well, Well, Well, true saving faith true saving faith true saving faith has feet to it. has feet to it. has feet to it. It's active. It's not passive. It's active. It's not passive. It's active. It's not passive. And so I'm going to pray for us and it And so I'm going to pray for us and it And so I'm going to pray for us and it may be that you hear this morning, you may be that you hear this morning, you may be that you hear this morning, you know that, you want to call upon him, know that, you want to call upon him, know that, you want to call upon him, ask him to save you. And when we say ask him to save you. And when we say ask him to save you. And when we say amen, we stand. Hey, walk forward. Tell amen, we stand. Hey, walk forward. Tell amen, we stand. Hey, walk forward. Tell one of these pastors, "Hey, today." You one of these pastors, "Hey, today." You one of these pastors, "Hey, today." You know, a pastor is just a shepherd is know, a pastor is just a shepherd is know, a pastor is just a shepherd is what he is. He's a shepherd. Come tell what he is. He's a shepherd. Come tell what he is. He's a shepherd. Come tell one of these pastors, "Hey, you know one of these pastors, "Hey, you know one of these pastors, "Hey, you know what?

what? what? I'm giving my life to Christ." I'm giving my life to Christ." I'm giving my life to Christ." You know, when I came to faith in Christ You know, when I came to faith in Christ You know, when I came to faith in Christ at age 25, you know what my prayer was? at age 25, you know what my prayer was? at age 25, you know what my prayer was? It's very simple. It's very simple. It's very simple. Some of you heard, some of you hadn't. I Some of you heard, some of you hadn't. I Some of you heard, some of you hadn't. I just said, "Oh God, save me." just said, "Oh God, save me." just said, "Oh God, save me." That's it. You said, "Archie, you didn't That's it. You said, "Archie, you didn't That's it. You said, "Archie, you didn't pray to come into my heart." Nope, but pray to come into my heart." Nope, but pray to come into my heart." Nope, but that's what I meant. Archie, you didn't that's what I meant. Archie, you didn't that's what I meant. Archie, you didn't pray, "I'm surrendering my life." Nope, pray, "I'm surrendering my life." Nope, pray, "I'm surrendering my life." Nope, but that's what I meant. Archie, you but that's what I meant. Archie, you but that's what I meant. Archie, you didn't didn't didn't uh say, "I repent." I was broken over my uh say, "I repent." I was broken over my uh say, "I repent." I was broken over my sin. When I said, "Oh God, save me." It sin. When I said, "Oh God, save me." It sin. When I said, "Oh God, save me." It was an act of repentance to him. I knew was an act of repentance to him. I knew was an act of repentance to him. I knew I was a sinner crying out to him. It's I was a sinner crying out to him. It's I was a sinner crying out to him. It's not a set of words. It's an attitude of not a set of words. It's an attitude of not a set of words. It's an attitude of heart. heart. heart. And so, maybe where you are today And so, maybe where you are today And so, maybe where you are today the greatest act of love is when Christ the greatest act of love is when Christ the greatest act of love is when Christ demonstrated on the cross. He died for demonstrated on the cross. He died for demonstrated on the cross. He died for you and me. He'll save you today. For you and me. He'll save you today. For you and me. He'll save you today. For our college students, for our older our college students, for our older our college students, for our older adults, all the folks in business, adults, all the folks in business, adults, all the folks in business, regardless of age, boys and girls that regardless of age, boys and girls that regardless of age, boys and girls that are here with us, he'll save you today are here with us, he'll save you today are here with us, he'll save you today if you call upon him. if you call upon him. if you call upon him. That is the most important part of any That is the most important part of any That is the most important part of any invitation, and he's inviting you invitation, and he's inviting you invitation, and he's inviting you to know him today to know him today to know him today and receive salvation.

and receive salvation. and receive salvation. Fathers, I pray across this room. Fathers, I pray across this room. Fathers, I pray across this room. Lord, I know there are many believers Lord, I know there are many believers Lord, I know there are many believers here, and I know there are folks here here, and I know there are folks here here, and I know there are folks here that intellectually know about you. that intellectually know about you. that intellectually know about you. But Lord, they're not those followers of But Lord, they're not those followers of But Lord, they're not those followers of you, but I I believe Holy Spirit you're you, but I I believe Holy Spirit you're you, but I I believe Holy Spirit you're you're working today. So, however you're you're working today. So, however you're you're working today. So, however you're leading, if it's just a believer who leading, if it's just a believer who leading, if it's just a believer who needs to needs to needs to maybe come and to pray and to maybe seek maybe come and to pray and to maybe seek maybe come and to pray and to maybe seek guidance from a shepherd, guidance from a shepherd, guidance from a shepherd, whatever it may be, I pray Lord they'll whatever it may be, I pray Lord they'll whatever it may be, I pray Lord they'll put feet [music] to put feet [music] to put feet [music] to their faith. And Lord, there's men here their faith. And Lord, there's men here their faith. And Lord, there's men here to pray with men and women to pray with to pray with men and women to pray with to pray with men and women to pray with the women, and the women, and the women, and so Lord, I pray we'll be faithful in so Lord, I pray we'll be faithful in so Lord, I pray we'll be faithful in that. But Lord, also I know there are that. But Lord, also I know there are that. But Lord, also I know there are those who need to be saved. those who need to be saved. those who need to be saved. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> It's a right now, Lord, I pray for >> It's a right now, Lord, I pray for >> It's a right now, Lord, I pray for someone here. They may be calling out to someone here. They may be calling out to someone here. They may be calling out to you now asking for forgiveness, you now asking for forgiveness, you now asking for forgiveness, repenting of sin, believing in you, Lord repenting of sin, believing in you, Lord repenting of sin, believing in you, Lord Jesus, asking you to take control Jesus, asking you to take control Jesus, asking you to take control [music] [music] [music] of their life, or they may be saying, of their life, or they may be saying, of their life, or they may be saying, "Oh God, save me." "Oh God, save me." "Oh God, save me." in faith [music] and repentance today. in faith [music] and repentance today. in faith [music] and repentance today. Maybe pray I pray no one would hold Maybe pray I pray no one would hold Maybe pray I pray no one would hold back. Lord, I pray they'd come share back. Lord, I pray they'd come share back. Lord, I pray they'd come share with one of these pastors. And Lord, it with one of these pastors. And Lord, it with one of these pastors. And Lord, it may be someone's hey, they're definitely may be someone's hey, they're definitely may be someone's hey, they're definitely in conviction [music] about their in conviction [music] about their in conviction [music] about their baptism that they need to be baptized by baptism that they need to be baptized by baptism that they need to be baptized by immersion, and today is the day and that immersion, and today is the day and that immersion, and today is the day and that can happen and place today. And so Lord, can happen and place today. And so Lord, can happen and place today. And so Lord, I pray I pray I pray >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> they'll step out and speak with the >> they'll step out and speak with the >> they'll step out and speak with the pastor. Father, we love you. Thank you pastor. Father, we love you. Thank you pastor. Father, we love you. Thank you for first loving us and so I pray Lord, for first loving us and so I pray Lord, for first loving us and so I pray Lord, have your way in this invitation [music] have your way in this invitation [music] have your way in this invitation [music] today. It's in your name we pray, the today. It's in your name we pray, the today. It's in your name we pray, the name of Christ. Amen. Amen. Can we name of Christ. Amen. Amen. Can we name of Christ. Amen. Amen. Can we stand, please?