Fathers Day - The Christ-Centered Man - Dr. Bill Panneck

[music] [music] >> Nothing like working on the flies. Well, that's awesome. Thank you, Pastor Well, that's awesome. Thank you, Pastor Eric. Uh it truly is a blessing to be Eric. Uh it truly is a blessing to be Eric. Uh it truly is a blessing to be here today. here today. here today. You know, uh he did a better job than You know, uh he did a better job than You know, uh he did a better job than Blake did in the video. Don't tell Blake Blake did in the video. Don't tell Blake Blake did in the video. Don't tell Blake that. that. that. Uh and I had a uh Uh and I had a uh Uh and I had a uh I had an introduction kind of all worked I had an introduction kind of all worked I had an introduction kind of all worked out. Uh honestly, introduce who I was. out. Uh honestly, introduce who I was. out. Uh honestly, introduce who I was. I'll tell you a little bit about myself I'll tell you a little bit about myself I'll tell you a little bit about myself just a minute, but it involved me saying just a minute, but it involved me saying just a minute, but it involved me saying thank you to Blake, thank you to Pastor thank you to Blake, thank you to Pastor thank you to Blake, thank you to Pastor Greg, thank you to Chuck, thank you to Greg, thank you to Chuck, thank you to Greg, thank you to Chuck, thank you to the other staff, and I was going to name the other staff, and I was going to name the other staff, and I was going to name them all them all them all uh for letting me be here, but quite uh for letting me be here, but quite uh for letting me be here, but quite honestly, if truth was told, I'm better honestly, if truth was told, I'm better honestly, if truth was told, I'm better looking than at least one or two of looking than at least one or two of looking than at least one or two of those guys. Don't y'all agree with that? those guys. Don't y'all agree with that? those guys. Don't y'all agree with that? So, So, So, uh don't tell Blake I said it. He's uh don't tell Blake I said it. He's uh don't tell Blake I said it. He's probably watching, so uh I don't know. probably watching, so uh I don't know. probably watching, so uh I don't know. Hey, I am the executive pastor of Center Hey, I am the executive pastor of Center Hey, I am the executive pastor of Center Baptist Church. Uh I don't I don't I Baptist Church. Uh I don't I don't I Baptist Church. Uh I don't I don't I couldn't hear Eric, so I don't know what couldn't hear Eric, so I don't know what couldn't hear Eric, so I don't know what he was saying. Uh Dr. Bill Panag is my he was saying. Uh Dr. Bill Panag is my he was saying. Uh Dr. Bill Panag is my name. Uh and I was born at Center name. Uh and I was born at Center name. Uh and I was born at Center Baptist Church. Believe it or not, it Baptist Church. Believe it or not, it Baptist Church. Believe it or not, it was some uh years ago that I was born at was some uh years ago that I was born at was some uh years ago that I was born at Center Baptist Church and been a member Center Baptist Church and been a member Center Baptist Church and been a member there uh ever since. Been blessed to get there uh ever since. Been blessed to get there uh ever since. Been blessed to get to do that. I graduated from Jonesboro to do that. I graduated from Jonesboro to do that. I graduated from Jonesboro High School. Matter of fact, let me back High School. Matter of fact, let me back High School. Matter of fact, let me back up a little bit. Uh they used to call me up a little bit. Uh they used to call me up a little bit. Uh they used to call me the the church rat. You know what a gym the the church rat. You know what a gym the the church rat. You know what a gym rat is? Somebody hangs out in a gym all rat is? Somebody hangs out in a gym all rat is? Somebody hangs out in a gym all the time.

the time. the time. Used to call me the church rat cuz I was Used to call me the church rat cuz I was Used to call me the church rat cuz I was there all the time. My dad was a deacon. there all the time. My dad was a deacon. there all the time. My dad was a deacon. My mom, believe it or not, served on the My mom, believe it or not, served on the My mom, believe it or not, served on the one day in the one day in the one day in the distant past, had a school. And my mom distant past, had a school. And my mom distant past, had a school. And my mom taught in school. She sang, involved in taught in school. She sang, involved in taught in school. She sang, involved in music program. Graduated Marshall State music program. Graduated Marshall State music program. Graduated Marshall State University. Uh went to dental school at University. Uh went to dental school at University. Uh went to dental school at the University of Missouri. Graduated the University of Missouri. Graduated the University of Missouri. Graduated from there, started my dental practice from there, started my dental practice from there, started my dental practice in 1980. in 1980. in 1980. Uh some 36 years after that, uh and I'll Uh some 36 years after that, uh and I'll Uh some 36 years after that, uh and I'll tell you a little bit about this a tell you a little bit about this a tell you a little bit about this a little bit later on, but God started little bit later on, but God started little bit later on, but God started working on my heart uh and called me working on my heart uh and called me working on my heart uh and called me into full-time ministry. Uh into full-time ministry. Uh into full-time ministry. Uh several years before that. I don't have several years before that. I don't have several years before that. I don't have the date on me, but uh Patty and I put the date on me, but uh Patty and I put the date on me, but uh Patty and I put our yes only altar. It was in a missions our yes only altar. It was in a missions our yes only altar. It was in a missions conference at Central Baptist. Dr. Jerry conference at Central Baptist. Dr. Jerry conference at Central Baptist. Dr. Jerry Rankin uh preached the commitment Rankin uh preached the commitment Rankin uh preached the commitment Sunday. And [snorts] uh he called for Sunday. And [snorts] uh he called for Sunday. And [snorts] uh he called for people that wanted to just put your yes people that wanted to just put your yes people that wanted to just put your yes on the altar, surrender to Christ, say on the altar, surrender to Christ, say on the altar, surrender to Christ, say whatever, however, whenever, wherever, whatever, however, whenever, wherever, whatever, however, whenever, wherever, come tell the Lord yes. And my wife and come tell the Lord yes. And my wife and come tell the Lord yes. And my wife and I did that. As a matter of fact, we got I did that. As a matter of fact, we got I did that. As a matter of fact, we got to eat lunch uh that day with Dr. Jerry to eat lunch uh that day with Dr. Jerry to eat lunch uh that day with Dr. Jerry Rankin.

Rankin. Rankin. Uh and and uh we started talking to him Uh and and uh we started talking to him Uh and and uh we started talking to him about what it would take uh to become a about what it would take uh to become a about what it would take uh to become a career missionary and surrender. We career missionary and surrender. We career missionary and surrender. We thought [snorts] we'd go to Africa. thought [snorts] we'd go to Africa. thought [snorts] we'd go to Africa. Honestly, we'd been to Africa a couple Honestly, we'd been to Africa a couple Honestly, we'd been to Africa a couple times. Shortly after that, times. Shortly after that, times. Shortly after that, Patty got real sick. And uh they Patty got real sick. And uh they Patty got real sick. And uh they actually forbade her from flying. So, we actually forbade her from flying. So, we actually forbade her from flying. So, we we couldn't fulfill that promise. we couldn't fulfill that promise. we couldn't fulfill that promise. But, But, But, it was I always remembered it. It wasn't it was I always remembered it. It wasn't it was I always remembered it. It wasn't like I forgot it or discarded it. It was like I forgot it or discarded it. It was like I forgot it or discarded it. It was kind of always on my mind, but not on kind of always on my mind, but not on kind of always on my mind, but not on the forefront. the forefront. the forefront. And about 13 years ago, And about 13 years ago, And about 13 years ago, uh I was preparing to preach in uh I was preparing to preach in uh I was preparing to preach in Guatemala in a dimly lit hallway at 4:00 Guatemala in a dimly lit hallway at 4:00 Guatemala in a dimly lit hallway at 4:00 in the morning. in the morning. in the morning. Probably had a 10-W bulb in the hall. Probably had a 10-W bulb in the hall. Probably had a 10-W bulb in the hall. Uh I was Uh I was Uh I was preparing to preach and the Lord got a preparing to preach and the Lord got a preparing to preach and the Lord got a hold of my heart. hold of my heart. hold of my heart. And it was almost like a wrestling And it was almost like a wrestling And it was almost like a wrestling match. It was like, match. It was like, match. It was like, you know, do you remember that you know, do you remember that you know, do you remember that commitment you made? Put your yes on the commitment you made? Put your yes on the commitment you made? Put your yes on the altar, et cetera, et cetera. And I would altar, et cetera, et cetera. And I would altar, et cetera, et cetera. And I would say, "Well, God, Patty is really sick. say, "Well, God, Patty is really sick. say, "Well, God, Patty is really sick. They won't even let her get on a plane. They won't even let her get on a plane. They won't even let her get on a plane. What's that going to look like? Et What's that going to look like? Et What's that going to look like? Et cetera, et cetera." And in that hallway, cetera, et cetera." And in that hallway, cetera, et cetera." And in that hallway, through the scriptures, God said to me through the scriptures, God said to me through the scriptures, God said to me that that that the time You'll know the time is right.

the time You'll know the time is right. the time You'll know the time is right. You'll know when the time is right You'll know when the time is right You'll know when the time is right to do what I'm asking you to do. to do what I'm asking you to do. to do what I'm asking you to do. And [snorts] uh I'll share a little bit And [snorts] uh I'll share a little bit And [snorts] uh I'll share a little bit later, but shortly after that, uh God later, but shortly after that, uh God later, but shortly after that, uh God opened an opportunity for me to opened an opportunity for me to opened an opportunity for me to surrender to full-time ministry. I surrender to full-time ministry. I surrender to full-time ministry. I became executive [snorts] pastor at became executive [snorts] pastor at became executive [snorts] pastor at Central Baptist Church. Kind of the rest Central Baptist Church. Kind of the rest Central Baptist Church. Kind of the rest is history, is history, is history, uh as they say. I love every minute of uh as they say. I love every minute of uh as they say. I love every minute of it. I love every minute of serving at it. I love every minute of serving at it. I love every minute of serving at Central Baptist Church. I know some of Central Baptist Church. I know some of Central Baptist Church. I know some of you guys out there. Uh I've worked with you guys out there. Uh I've worked with you guys out there. Uh I've worked with some of you on projects here on the some of you on projects here on the some of you on projects here on the Fairway Hill campus. And uh you know, if Fairway Hill campus. And uh you know, if Fairway Hill campus. And uh you know, if I don't know you, I apologize for that. I don't know you, I apologize for that. I don't know you, I apologize for that. Hope to get to know you sometime uh in Hope to get to know you sometime uh in Hope to get to know you sometime uh in the future. the future. the future. Let me say also, happy Father's Day to Let me say also, happy Father's Day to Let me say also, happy Father's Day to each and every one of you again. I know each and every one of you again. I know each and every one of you again. I know you've been told that probably several you've been told that probably several you've been told that probably several [snorts] times, but as I was preparing [snorts] times, but as I was preparing [snorts] times, but as I was preparing this message for today out of this message for today out of this message for today out of Philippians Philippians Philippians uh on Father's Day, I kept looking at uh on Father's Day, I kept looking at uh on Father's Day, I kept looking at kind of how the titles together. kind of how the titles together. kind of how the titles together. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Cuz the title of the lesson is the >> Cuz the title of the lesson is the >> Cuz the title of the lesson is the Christ-centered man, okay? That doesn't Christ-centered man, okay? That doesn't Christ-centered man, okay? That doesn't really mean just men.

really mean just men. really mean just men. Uh it's not gender specific. But Uh it's not gender specific. But Uh it's not gender specific. But [snorts] so I was thinking, man, what a [snorts] so I was thinking, man, what a [snorts] so I was thinking, man, what a blessing it is. What a responsibility. blessing it is. What a responsibility. blessing it is. What a responsibility. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You didn't get to see the video, but the >> You didn't get to see the video, but the >> You didn't get to see the video, but the video talked about fathers wear many video talked about fathers wear many video talked about fathers wear many hats. You know, you're mentors, your hats. You know, you're mentors, your hats. You know, you're mentors, your friends, your protectors, your friends, your protectors, your friends, your protectors, your providers, your teachers. providers, your teachers. providers, your teachers. And you even have to be quick thinkers a And you even have to be quick thinkers a And you even have to be quick thinkers a lot of the time. I ran across this lot of the time. I ran across this lot of the time. I ran across this sentence as I was preparing. sentence as I was preparing. sentence as I was preparing. Fathers, Fathers, Fathers, you spend about the first half of your you spend about the first half of your you spend about the first half of your kids, your children's life kids, your children's life kids, your children's life teaching them how to walk teaching them how to walk teaching them how to walk and how [snorts] to talk. and how [snorts] to talk. and how [snorts] to talk. And then you spend the last half of And then you spend the last half of And then you spend the last half of their childhood their childhood their childhood telling them to sit down and shut up, telling them to sit down and shut up, telling them to sit down and shut up, right? So, you got to be quick thinkers. right? So, you got to be quick thinkers. right? So, you got to be quick thinkers. It's not always as easy as we think it It's not always as easy as we think it It's not always as easy as we think it is. is. is. Uh one day there was a woman who left Uh one day there was a woman who left Uh one day there was a woman who left their little daughter with dad their little daughter with dad their little daughter with dad uh in the den, and she went off in uh in the den, and she went off in uh in the den, and she went off in another part of the house to do whatever another part of the house to do whatever another part of the house to do whatever she was going to do and work, you know, she was going to do and work, you know, she was going to do and work, you know, a mom's and wife's job is never done. a mom's and wife's job is never done. a mom's and wife's job is never done. The dad got involved in the newspaper The dad got involved in the newspaper The dad got involved in the newspaper reading something, wasn't paying reading something, wasn't paying reading something, wasn't paying attention to the little girl, and all of attention to the little girl, and all of attention to the little girl, and all of a sudden he heard, you know, thump thump a sudden he heard, you know, thump thump a sudden he heard, you know, thump thump thump thump thump thump, and the little thump thump thump thump, and the little thump thump thump thump, and the little girl started screaming. And the first girl started screaming. And the first girl started screaming. And the first thought was she's falling down the thought was she's falling down the thought was she's falling down the steps.

steps. steps. So, he runs in there, picks his daughter So, he runs in there, picks his daughter So, he runs in there, picks his daughter up, sees that she's not hurt. And a up, sees that she's not hurt. And a up, sees that she's not hurt. And a quick thinker that he was, he hollered quick thinker that he was, he hollered quick thinker that he was, he hollered out, "Honey, out, "Honey, out, "Honey, come in here, hurry. Our little girl has come in here, hurry. Our little girl has come in here, hurry. Our little girl has just taken her first 24 steps." just taken her first 24 steps." just taken her first 24 steps." So, she was learning how to walk and the So, she was learning how to walk and the So, she was learning how to walk and the dad was learning how to be quick on his dad was learning how to be quick on his dad was learning how to be quick on his feet. But, it is a tiring job, right? feet. But, it is a tiring job, right? feet. But, it is a tiring job, right? Sometimes uh our kids will just wear us Sometimes uh our kids will just wear us Sometimes uh our kids will just wear us out. And we need strength from the Lord. out. And we need strength from the Lord. out. And we need strength from the Lord. Uh as a matter of fact, you may find Uh as a matter of fact, you may find Uh as a matter of fact, you may find yourself at the end of the day a lot yourself at the end of the day a lot yourself at the end of the day a lot like this dad does. Uh he's inside the like this dad does. Uh he's inside the like this dad does. Uh he's inside the playpen, the kids are out somewhere, and playpen, the kids are out somewhere, and playpen, the kids are out somewhere, and >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> he's catching up on his sleep. So, I >> he's catching up on his sleep. So, I >> he's catching up on his sleep. So, I wanted to share with you just a few wanted to share with you just a few wanted to share with you just a few scriptures right at the start that will scriptures right at the start that will scriptures right at the start that will lead us into the passage in Philippians. lead us into the passage in Philippians. lead us into the passage in Philippians. We're in Philippians uh 1. And so, We're in Philippians uh 1. And so, We're in Philippians uh 1. And so, uh I think this will be up on the uh I think this will be up on the uh I think this will be up on the screen. But, my point is how challenging screen. But, my point is how challenging screen. But, my point is how challenging it is. These are actually commandments. it is. These are actually commandments. it is. These are actually commandments. God is commanding us to do what these God is commanding us to do what these God is commanding us to do what these scriptures say. First one is in scriptures say. First one is in scriptures say. First one is in Ephesians, "Fathers, do not provoke your Ephesians, "Fathers, do not provoke your Ephesians, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in children to anger, but bring them up in children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the the discipline and instruction of the the discipline and instruction of the Lord." So, this this verse is a warning, Lord." So, this this verse is a warning, Lord." So, this this verse is a warning, an admonition, and a commandment. And an admonition, and a commandment. And an admonition, and a commandment. And it's not always easy to teach our kids.

it's not always easy to teach our kids. it's not always easy to teach our kids. You know, it says, "Do not provoke." And You know, it says, "Do not provoke." And You know, it says, "Do not provoke." And a lot of times we're angry anyway as we a lot of times we're angry anyway as we a lot of times we're angry anyway as we deal with discipline and guiding our deal with discipline and guiding our deal with discipline and guiding our kids. Colossians 3 says, "Don't embitter kids. Colossians 3 says, "Don't embitter kids. Colossians 3 says, "Don't embitter your children. Fathers, don't embitter your children. Fathers, don't embitter your children. Fathers, don't embitter your children, or they will become your children, or they will become your children, or they will become discouraged." You know, we don't want to discouraged." You know, we don't want to discouraged." You know, we don't want to do that as moms and dads. So, the do that as moms and dads. So, the do that as moms and dads. So, the emphasis here is encouraging them emphasis here is encouraging them emphasis here is encouraging them encouraging guide them in a Christ-like encouraging guide them in a Christ-like encouraging guide them in a Christ-like manner. manner. manner. And you can't do that if you're not And you can't do that if you're not And you can't do that if you're not close to Christ. And so, if you're not a close to Christ. And so, if you're not a close to Christ. And so, if you're not a Christ-centered man, like we're going to Christ-centered man, like we're going to Christ-centered man, like we're going to talk about today, that becomes nearly talk about today, that becomes nearly talk about today, that becomes nearly impossible to do. Proverbs 3, "My son, impossible to do. Proverbs 3, "My son, impossible to do. Proverbs 3, "My son, do not despise the Lord's to discipline, do not despise the Lord's to discipline, do not despise the Lord's to discipline, because the Lord disciplines those he because the Lord disciplines those he because the Lord disciplines those he loves." So, we got to discipline our loves." So, we got to discipline our loves." So, we got to discipline our kids lovingly, with a purpose, to guide kids lovingly, with a purpose, to guide kids lovingly, with a purpose, to guide and direct. And we got a model what our and direct. And we got a model what our and direct. And we got a model what our heavenly father does for us. The heavenly father does for us. The heavenly father does for us. The psalmist has written, "For he that's psalmist has written, "For he that's psalmist has written, "For he that's God, for God established a testimony in God, for God established a testimony in God, for God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed law in Israel, which Jacob and appointed law in Israel, which Jacob and appointed law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers that they were he commanded our fathers that they were he commanded our fathers that they were to what? Teach them to their children. to what? Teach them to their children. to what? Teach them to their children. So that the generation to come would So that the generation to come would So that the generation to come would know know know the children yet to be born. They would the children yet to be born. They would the children yet to be born. They would rise up and they would let their rise up and they would let their rise up and they would let their children know." So the point is here or children know." So the point is here or children know." So the point is here or the purpose or the truth is here, dad's the purpose or the truth is here, dad's the purpose or the truth is here, dad's our job is not over when the generation our job is not over when the generation our job is not over when the generation right under us, our kids, grow up right under us, our kids, grow up right under us, our kids, grow up because they're going to have kids and because they're going to have kids and because they're going to have kids and those kids are going to have kids. So those kids are going to have kids. So those kids are going to have kids. So our responsibility goes on from our responsibility goes on from our responsibility goes on from generation to generation to generation.

generation to generation to generation. generation to generation to generation. Now, Now, Now, you know, that job mainly is with you know, that job mainly is with you know, that job mainly is with parents. I think the responsibility of parents. I think the responsibility of parents. I think the responsibility of grandparents is to spoil the kids, but grandparents is to spoil the kids, but grandparents is to spoil the kids, but you don't have to spoil them you don't have to spoil them you don't have to spoil them uh and move them away from the uh and move them away from the uh and move them away from the scripture. You You got to realize that scripture. You You got to realize that scripture. You You got to realize that we carry the burden for the message of we carry the burden for the message of we carry the burden for the message of God and the truth of God from generation God and the truth of God from generation God and the truth of God from generation to generation to generation and it's to generation to generation and it's to generation to generation and it's passed on. And then lastly, I think 1 passed on. And then lastly, I think 1 passed on. And then lastly, I think 1 Timothy 3 says we must manage our Timothy 3 says we must manage our Timothy 3 says we must manage our household well with all dignity keeping household well with all dignity keeping household well with all dignity keeping his children submissive. We got to be a his children submissive. We got to be a his children submissive. We got to be a godly example. Scripture says, "Raise up godly example. Scripture says, "Raise up godly example. Scripture says, "Raise up your child in the way they should go and your child in the way they should go and your child in the way they should go and when they're old they will not depart when they're old they will not depart when they're old they will not depart from it." from it." from it." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> This is a picture >> This is a picture >> This is a picture This is not a picture, I just say make This is not a picture, I just say make This is not a picture, I just say make it clear, of do what I say and not what it clear, of do what I say and not what it clear, of do what I say and not what I do. I do. I do. You know, kids are watching, listening, You know, kids are watching, listening, You know, kids are watching, listening, mimicking. mimicking. mimicking. So if you're a parent that says, "Do So if you're a parent that says, "Do So if you're a parent that says, "Do this." this." this." and you don't example it, and you don't example it, and you don't example it, you don't live it out, you don't live it out, you don't live it out, the message they're going to get is that the message they're going to get is that the message they're going to get is that one. Matter of fact, this quote, I don't one. Matter of fact, this quote, I don't one. Matter of fact, this quote, I don't know if it's on the screen or not, says, know if it's on the screen or not, says, know if it's on the screen or not, says, "Your actions are speaking so loud "Your actions are speaking so loud "Your actions are speaking so loud that your kids can't hear what you're that your kids can't hear what you're that your kids can't hear what you're saying."

saying." saying." Your actions speak so loud, your kids Your actions speak so loud, your kids Your actions speak so loud, your kids don't even hear what you have to say. don't even hear what you have to say. don't even hear what you have to say. So, dads, our our job is So, dads, our our job is So, dads, our our job is is very special. It's God-ordained to be is very special. It's God-ordained to be is very special. It's God-ordained to be a father. God blesses us with kids. a father. God blesses us with kids. a father. God blesses us with kids. Uh but it has a tremendous Uh but it has a tremendous Uh but it has a tremendous responsibility that comes along with it responsibility that comes along with it responsibility that comes along with it because we have such a such an because we have such a such an because we have such a such an unbelievable impact on the next unbelievable impact on the next unbelievable impact on the next generation. I got some stats generation. I got some stats generation. I got some stats uh that they'll put up on the screen. It uh that they'll put up on the screen. It uh that they'll put up on the screen. It says, "Look what happens when dad is says, "Look what happens when dad is says, "Look what happens when dad is absent from the home." So, these stats absent from the home." So, these stats absent from the home." So, these stats come from the National Fatherhood come from the National Fatherhood come from the National Fatherhood Initiative. NFI is what it's called, and Initiative. NFI is what it's called, and Initiative. NFI is what it's called, and I put that in there an old father I put that in there an old father I put that in there an old father involved. But these are staggering if involved. But these are staggering if involved. But these are staggering if you look at these you look at these you look at these stats. 20 million children stats. 20 million children stats. 20 million children don't have a father or father figure in don't have a father or father figure in don't have a father or father figure in the home. the home. the home. 20 million. 20 million. 20 million. 63% of youth who live in the NFI 63% of youth who live in the NFI 63% of youth who live in the NFI environment, no father involved, environment, no father involved, environment, no father involved, uh commit suicide, 63%. 85% of children uh commit suicide, 63%. 85% of children uh commit suicide, 63%. 85% of children with behavior disorders come out of that with behavior disorders come out of that with behavior disorders come out of that environment. 80% of rapists come out of environment. 80% of rapists come out of environment. 80% of rapists come out of it. 71% of high school dropouts come out it. 71% of high school dropouts come out it. 71% of high school dropouts come out of it. 70% of teen pregnancies occur of it. 70% of teen pregnancies occur of it. 70% of teen pregnancies occur with youth that do not have a father with youth that do not have a father with youth that do not have a father figure. 75% of youth that are in figure. 75% of youth that are in figure. 75% of youth that are in drug abuse centers, and then 85% of drug abuse centers, and then 85% of drug abuse centers, and then 85% of youth in prison. All of that comes out youth in prison. All of that comes out youth in prison. All of that comes out of of of that NFI, no father involved in their that NFI, no father involved in their that NFI, no father involved in their lives. So, dads, lives. So, dads, lives. So, dads, we have an unbelievable responsibility.

we have an unbelievable responsibility. we have an unbelievable responsibility. But thankfully, thank the good Lord, But thankfully, thank the good Lord, But thankfully, thank the good Lord, we have the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power of the Holy Spirit that can work in our lives, draw us to that can work in our lives, draw us to that can work in our lives, draw us to him. We can look like him, get his word, him. We can look like him, get his word, him. We can look like him, get his word, and we can pass that on to generation to and we can pass that on to generation to and we can pass that on to generation to generation, right? So, the title of the generation, right? So, the title of the generation, right? So, the title of the message today is the Christ-centered message today is the Christ-centered message today is the Christ-centered man. Now, that word man is not gender man. Now, that word man is not gender man. Now, that word man is not gender specific, as I mentioned a while ago. It specific, as I mentioned a while ago. It specific, as I mentioned a while ago. It comes from the word for anthropos, okay, comes from the word for anthropos, okay, comes from the word for anthropos, okay, which means all of mankind, all of which means all of mankind, all of which means all of mankind, all of humanity. So, ladies, you're not off the humanity. So, ladies, you're not off the humanity. So, ladies, you're not off the hook this morning. We talked about men. hook this morning. We talked about men. hook this morning. We talked about men. We've read these verses kind of from a We've read these verses kind of from a We've read these verses kind of from a men's point of view. But really, it men's point of view. But really, it men's point of view. But really, it means all of us, the Christ-centered means all of us, the Christ-centered means all of us, the Christ-centered man. And so we're going to look at man. And so we're going to look at man. And so we're going to look at Paul's words in in Philippians and Paul's words in in Philippians and Paul's words in in Philippians and see how he admonishes us really through see how he admonishes us really through see how he admonishes us really through the life he lived. Yes, [snorts] his the life he lived. Yes, [snorts] his the life he lived. Yes, [snorts] his words, but through the life he lived uh words, but through the life he lived uh words, but through the life he lived uh for us to be the Christ-centered man. for us to be the Christ-centered man. for us to be the Christ-centered man. Three points today, Christ-centered man Three points today, Christ-centered man Three points today, Christ-centered man rejoices in the gospel. rejoices in the gospel. rejoices in the gospel. Not only rejoices in the gospel for what Not only rejoices in the gospel for what Not only rejoices in the gospel for what it does in your life, but rejoices to it does in your life, but rejoices to it does in your life, but rejoices to get to share the gospel. The get to share the gospel. The get to share the gospel. The Christ-centered man, that's number two, Christ-centered man, that's number two, Christ-centered man, that's number two, depends on Christ's power. I've already depends on Christ's power. I've already depends on Christ's power. I've already said that. It's unbelievable that the said that. It's unbelievable that the said that. It's unbelievable that the responsibility that we have as believers responsibility that we have as believers responsibility that we have as believers and certainly as believer dads, uh you and certainly as believer dads, uh you and certainly as believer dads, uh you couldn't do it without the power of the couldn't do it without the power of the couldn't do it without the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life. And Holy Spirit working in your life. And Holy Spirit working in your life. And then lastly, the Christ-centered man then lastly, the Christ-centered man then lastly, the Christ-centered man lives for Christ's purposes in his life.

lives for Christ's purposes in his life. lives for Christ's purposes in his life. So if we can line up with those three, So if we can line up with those three, So if we can line up with those three, and we'll see this in Paul's life, man, and we'll see this in Paul's life, man, and we'll see this in Paul's life, man, what an impact we're going to have on what an impact we're going to have on what an impact we're going to have on the kingdom. So if you have your Bible, the kingdom. So if you have your Bible, the kingdom. So if you have your Bible, uh turn to Philippians chapter 1, uh turn to Philippians chapter 1, uh turn to Philippians chapter 1, uh verse 18, uh verse 18, uh verse 18, and [snorts] we'll read these verse I and [snorts] we'll read these verse I and [snorts] we'll read these verse I don't know if uh Blake usually have don't know if uh Blake usually have don't know if uh Blake usually have y'all stand. Let's stand while we in y'all stand. Let's stand while we in y'all stand. Let's stand while we in honor of the word of God while I read honor of the word of God while I read honor of the word of God while I read this to you guys. this to you guys. this to you guys. Starting with verse 18, chapter 1, Paul Starting with verse 18, chapter 1, Paul Starting with verse 18, chapter 1, Paul says, "What then? says, "What then? says, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in Only that in every way, whether in Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is pretense or in truth, Christ is pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. proclaimed. proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, I will And in this I rejoice. Yes, I will And in this I rejoice. Yes, I will rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. For I know that this shall turn out for For I know that this shall turn out for For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and my deliverance through your prayers and my deliverance through your prayers and through the provision of the of the through the provision of the of the through the provision of the of the Spirit of Jesus Christ according Spirit of Jesus Christ according Spirit of Jesus Christ according >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> to my earnest expectation >> to my earnest expectation >> to my earnest expectation and hope. I shall not be put to shame in and hope. I shall not be put to shame in and hope. I shall not be put to shame in anything, anything, anything, but that with all boldness Christ shall but that with all boldness Christ shall but that with all boldness Christ shall even now as always be exalted in my even now as always be exalted in my even now as always be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. body, whether by life or by death. body, whether by life or by death. Here's the linchpin of this scripture. Here's the linchpin of this scripture. Here's the linchpin of this scripture. For to me For to me For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

to live is Christ and to die is gain. to live is Christ and to die is gain. Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this word. word. word. All of your word All of your word All of your word is spirit-breathed and powerful because is spirit-breathed and powerful because is spirit-breathed and powerful because it comes from you. it comes from you. it comes from you. And so, I thank you for that. God, we And so, I thank you for that. God, we And so, I thank you for that. God, we cannot read your word, we can hear your cannot read your word, we can hear your cannot read your word, we can hear your word, we can't act upon your word, we word, we can't act upon your word, we word, we can't act upon your word, we can't do anything without the power of can't do anything without the power of can't do anything without the power of the Holy Spirit. We also acknowledge the Holy Spirit. We also acknowledge the Holy Spirit. We also acknowledge that it it's the way that our lives are that it it's the way that our lives are that it it's the way that our lives are changed and conformed into the image of changed and conformed into the image of changed and conformed into the image of your [snorts] son, our savior, Lord your [snorts] son, our savior, Lord your [snorts] son, our savior, Lord Jesus Christ. So, Father, would you do Jesus Christ. So, Father, would you do Jesus Christ. So, Father, would you do that this morning? Work in our lives in that this morning? Work in our lives in that this morning? Work in our lives in such in such a way that we [snorts] such in such a way that we [snorts] such in such a way that we [snorts] become more Christ-like, and the gospel become more Christ-like, and the gospel become more Christ-like, and the gospel is the center of our lives, Father. In is the center of our lives, Father. In is the center of our lives, Father. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. [snorts] Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. [snorts] Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. [snorts] Thank you. You may be seated. The first point, as I mentioned out, The first point, as I mentioned out, Christ-centered man rejoices in the Christ-centered man rejoices in the Christ-centered man rejoices in the gospel. Paul says, "What then?" That's gospel. Paul says, "What then?" That's gospel. Paul says, "What then?" That's the first two words. "What then?" Now, the first two words. "What then?" Now, the first two words. "What then?" Now, this is real similar, if you read the this is real similar, if you read the this is real similar, if you read the scriptures and you've heard people scriptures and you've heard people scriptures and you've heard people preach that this word appears, it's very preach that this word appears, it's very preach that this word appears, it's very similar to therefore. You can be reading similar to therefore. You can be reading similar to therefore. You can be reading down through the scriptures, all of a down through the scriptures, all of a down through the scriptures, all of a sudden, "Therefore," continues on. And sudden, "Therefore," continues on. And sudden, "Therefore," continues on. And you got to know, most of you know this, you got to know, most of you know this, you got to know, most of you know this, what the therefore is therefore. So, you what the therefore is therefore. So, you what the therefore is therefore. So, you usually got to back up and see what took usually got to back up and see what took usually got to back up and see what took place so that the writer, when he says place so that the writer, when he says place so that the writer, when he says therefore, you know what it is. So, Paul therefore, you know what it is. So, Paul therefore, you know what it is. So, Paul says, "Well, what then?" So, it's says, "Well, what then?" So, it's says, "Well, what then?" So, it's similar to that, but it's not exactly similar to that, but it's not exactly similar to that, but it's not exactly because it's more like, "Well, what do because it's more like, "Well, what do because it's more like, "Well, what do you make of this?

you make of this? you make of this? What do you make of this?" What do you make of this?" What do you make of this?" And if you were paying close attention And if you were paying close attention And if you were paying close attention last week, Pastor Blake talked about last week, Pastor Blake talked about last week, Pastor Blake talked about what the the this was, but it's almost a what the the this was, but it's almost a what the the this was, but it's almost a rhetorical question. Well, what about rhetorical question. Well, what about rhetorical question. Well, what about that? that? that? Paul's saying what then. So, I want to Paul's saying what then. So, I want to Paul's saying what then. So, I want to back up just a second. I'm not going to back up just a second. I'm not going to back up just a second. I'm not going to read it. I just want to talk about a read it. I just want to talk about a read it. I just want to talk about a couple things and highlight it before we couple things and highlight it before we couple things and highlight it before we continue on. So, I'm going to back up at continue on. So, I'm going to back up at continue on. So, I'm going to back up at about verse 12. It says, "Now, I want about verse 12. It says, "Now, I want about verse 12. It says, "Now, I want you to know, brethren, that my you to know, brethren, that my you to know, brethren, that my circumstances circumstances circumstances Paul was in prison, chained to Roman Paul was in prison, chained to Roman Paul was in prison, chained to Roman guard, guard, guard, and he was in the midst of the prison and he was in the midst of the prison and he was in the midst of the prison life. life. life. And we can all imagine what that may And we can all imagine what that may And we can all imagine what that may have been or may not have been, but I have been or may not have been, but I have been or may not have been, but I call it in the the of great adversity. call it in the the of great adversity. call it in the the of great adversity. This adversity was the prison life. This adversity was the prison life. This adversity was the prison life. Well, you know what? Out of adversity Well, you know what? Out of adversity Well, you know what? Out of adversity comes evangelism. And out of adversity comes evangelism. And out of adversity comes evangelism. And out of adversity comes encouragement or courage to share comes encouragement or courage to share comes encouragement or courage to share the gospel message. And then we even see the gospel message. And then we even see the gospel message. And then we even see out of adversity, there's envy that out of adversity, there's envy that out of adversity, there's envy that takes place. If you read those passages takes place. If you read those passages takes place. If you read those passages and pull out some of those words, you'll and pull out some of those words, you'll and pull out some of those words, you'll see it. It says greater progress of the see it. It says greater progress of the see it. It says greater progress of the gospel. Out of this adversity, gospel. Out of this adversity, gospel. Out of this adversity, the gospel went forward. Out of this the gospel went forward. Out of this the gospel went forward. Out of this adversity, these prisoners and these adversity, these prisoners and these adversity, these prisoners and these people, these inmates that were getting people, these inmates that were getting people, these inmates that were getting won to Jesus Christ, gained courage.

won to Jesus Christ, gained courage. won to Jesus Christ, gained courage. There was a revival breaking out in There was a revival breaking out in There was a revival breaking out in prison in the midst of all of this prison in the midst of all of this prison in the midst of all of this adversity. One last thing Paul mentions adversity. One last thing Paul mentions adversity. One last thing Paul mentions is imprisonment in that passage. So, is imprisonment in that passage. So, is imprisonment in that passage. So, yes, he was in prison. So, in that form yes, he was in prison. So, in that form yes, he was in prison. So, in that form or fashion, uh physically, uh he was or fashion, uh physically, uh he was or fashion, uh physically, uh he was imprisoned. imprisoned. imprisoned. Uh he uses that phrase three times. Uh he uses that phrase three times. Uh he uses that phrase three times. But also, I'll submit to you that But also, I'll submit to you that But also, I'll submit to you that was was was imprisoned to the Lord Jesus Christ. imprisoned to the Lord Jesus Christ. imprisoned to the Lord Jesus Christ. That word is really a called a That word is really a called a That word is really a called a bondservant. He was a servant of the bondservant. He was a servant of the bondservant. He was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. And if you look at Lord Jesus Christ. And if you look at Lord Jesus Christ. And if you look at it, matter of fact, the translation in it, matter of fact, the translation in it, matter of fact, the translation in this particular passage says the word this particular passage says the word this particular passage says the word bonds. But if you back up to the first bonds. But if you back up to the first bonds. But if you back up to the first verse in this book and probably the uh verse in this book and probably the uh verse in this book and probably the uh first verse, uh he says, "I'm a first verse, uh he says, "I'm a first verse, uh he says, "I'm a bondservant bondservant bondservant to Christ." Now, here's what that means. to Christ." Now, here's what that means. to Christ." Now, here's what that means. He's serving his master out of love and He's serving his master out of love and He's serving his master out of love and compassion and faithfulness and for out compassion and faithfulness and for out compassion and faithfulness and for out of everything that his master had done of everything that his master had done of everything that his master had done for his life. He loved doing it. He for his life. He loved doing it. He for his life. He loved doing it. He wasn't indentured to do that. He wasn't wasn't indentured to do that. He wasn't wasn't indentured to do that. He wasn't serving out of fear. He wasn't commanded serving out of fear. He wasn't commanded serving out of fear. He wasn't commanded to do that, not under threat of death or to do that, not under threat of death or to do that, not under threat of death or anything.

anything. anything. His love was to Jesus Christ. And in His love was to Jesus Christ. And in His love was to Jesus Christ. And in that day, a bondservant, that day, a bondservant, that day, a bondservant, uh the master would put, I think they uh the master would put, I think they uh the master would put, I think they use the word all, think like a punch, use the word all, think like a punch, use the word all, think like a punch, put a hole in their ear and put a ring put a hole in their ear and put a ring put a hole in their ear and put a ring through it to signify who owned them. through it to signify who owned them. through it to signify who owned them. Who was the master? Who am I a slave Who was the master? Who am I a slave Who was the master? Who am I a slave [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] to? to? to? Well, guess what Paul's ring in the ear Well, guess what Paul's ring in the ear Well, guess what Paul's ring in the ear was. was. was. It was sharing the gospel. It was sharing the gospel. It was sharing the gospel. I mean, he shared the gospel. He loved I mean, he shared the gospel. He loved I mean, he shared the gospel. He loved doing that, and that's what he was all doing that, and that's what he was all doing that, and that's what he was all about. I I could really can't imagine about. I I could really can't imagine about. I I could really can't imagine what took place other than what the what took place other than what the what took place other than what the scripture tells us scripture tells us scripture tells us uh in that prison room when Paul was uh in that prison room when Paul was uh in that prison room when Paul was proclaiming the gospel like he was. So, proclaiming the gospel like he was. So, proclaiming the gospel like he was. So, back to his original question, what then back to his original question, what then back to his original question, what then are are are what do you make of this? Well, Paul what do you make of this? Well, Paul what do you make of this? Well, Paul answers his own question. Matter of answers his own question. Matter of answers his own question. Matter of fact, when he's preaching the gospel out fact, when he's preaching the gospel out fact, when he's preaching the gospel out of pure motives, others are preaching it of pure motives, others are preaching it of pure motives, others are preaching it out of false motives. That's where the out of false motives. That's where the out of false motives. That's where the word envy occurs in the in the previous word envy occurs in the in the previous word envy occurs in the in the previous verses. Uh he's preaching out of love, verses. Uh he's preaching out of love, verses. Uh he's preaching out of love, others are preaching out of selfish others are preaching out of selfish others are preaching out of selfish ambition. What can I gain for doing ambition. What can I gain for doing ambition. What can I gain for doing this? Keep in mind that he was chained this? Keep in mind that he was chained this? Keep in mind that he was chained to a Roman guard, but the guards were to a Roman guard, but the guards were to a Roman guard, but the guards were clamoring to be chained to him because clamoring to be chained to him because clamoring to be chained to him because God was working, and they were seeing God was working, and they were seeing God was working, and they were seeing this take place in not only the other this take place in not only the other this take place in not only the other guards' lives, but in the other inmates' guards' lives, but in the other inmates' guards' lives, but in the other inmates' lives. And so, it was almost like an lives. And so, it was almost like an lives. And so, it was almost like an envious, self-ambitious competition to envious, self-ambitious competition to envious, self-ambitious competition to be chained to Paul.

be chained to Paul. be chained to Paul. So, the gospel was being preached even So, the gospel was being preached even So, the gospel was being preached even under these circumstances. Matter of under these circumstances. Matter of under these circumstances. Matter of fact, the verse says whether in pretense fact, the verse says whether in pretense fact, the verse says whether in pretense or whether in truth, or whether in truth, or whether in truth, the gospel was being proclaimed. So, the gospel was being proclaimed. So, the gospel was being proclaimed. So, when Paul says, "Well, what do you make when Paul says, "Well, what do you make when Paul says, "Well, what do you make of this?" of this?" of this?" >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He answers his own question. He says, >> He answers his own question. He says, >> He answers his own question. He says, "It don't matter. "It don't matter. "It don't matter. It does not matter. What then? It does not matter. What then? It does not matter. What then? What do you make of it? It doesn't What do you make of it? It doesn't What do you make of it? It doesn't matter because why? Because the gospel matter because why? Because the gospel matter because why? Because the gospel is being proclaimed. The very is being proclaimed. The very is being proclaimed. The very most important thing to the Apostle Paul most important thing to the Apostle Paul most important thing to the Apostle Paul was Christ being exalted through the was Christ being exalted through the was Christ being exalted through the proclamation of his gospel, the death proclamation of his gospel, the death proclamation of his gospel, the death death, burial, and resurrection of the death, burial, and resurrection of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, let me ask you a Lord Jesus Christ. So, let me ask you a Lord Jesus Christ. So, let me ask you a question. question. question. Are you ever intimidated, believers in Are you ever intimidated, believers in Are you ever intimidated, believers in the room? Are you intimidated the room? Are you intimidated the room? Are you intimidated to share the gospel message, the to share the gospel message, the to share the gospel message, the greatest story there ever was, and greatest story there ever was, and greatest story there ever was, and probably the greatest thing that's ever probably the greatest thing that's ever probably the greatest thing that's ever happened to you as a believer. Are you happened to you as a believer. Are you happened to you as a believer. Are you intimidated to share that? intimidated to share that? intimidated to share that? One, maybe because the person might not One, maybe because the person might not One, maybe because the person might not respond. respond. respond. Are you fearful of sharing that because Are you fearful of sharing that because Are you fearful of sharing that because you're expecting a response?

you're expecting a response? you're expecting a response? And so you just don't share it. Or maybe And so you just don't share it. Or maybe And so you just don't share it. Or maybe they might ask a question that you they might ask a question that you they might ask a question that you cannot answer. cannot answer. cannot answer. You know, early on in my dental You know, early on in my dental You know, early on in my dental practice, practice, practice, I had a physician there in Jonesboro, I had a physician there in Jonesboro, I had a physician there in Jonesboro, there was a patient of mine, he'd been a there was a patient of mine, he'd been a there was a patient of mine, he'd been a long time physician of mine. Called his long time physician of mine. Called his long time physician of mine. Called his name, some of you would know it. name, some of you would know it. name, some of you would know it. Uh Uh Uh But he was talking to me one time and he But he was talking to me one time and he But he was talking to me one time and he asked me a question. asked me a question. asked me a question. And you know, I'm a talker, sometimes I And you know, I'm a talker, sometimes I And you know, I'm a talker, sometimes I can talk my way around stuff or out of can talk my way around stuff or out of can talk my way around stuff or out of stuff or into stuff most of the time. stuff or into stuff most of the time. stuff or into stuff most of the time. Uh and so I started down that path, he Uh and so I started down that path, he Uh and so I started down that path, he said, "Wait a minute. said, "Wait a minute. said, "Wait a minute. Don't ever be afraid to tell somebody I Don't ever be afraid to tell somebody I Don't ever be afraid to tell somebody I don't know." don't know." don't know." When you're sharing the gospel, or when When you're sharing the gospel, or when When you're sharing the gospel, or when he's asking me a medical question, or he's asking me a medical question, or he's asking me a medical question, or anywhere else, don't be afraid to say I anywhere else, don't be afraid to say I anywhere else, don't be afraid to say I don't know, but I will do my very best don't know, but I will do my very best don't know, but I will do my very best to try to get that answer for you. to try to get that answer for you. to try to get that answer for you. And really that's all we can do, right? And really that's all we can do, right? And really that's all we can do, right? So are you intimidated to share the So are you intimidated to share the So are you intimidated to share the gospel because you or the person might gospel because you or the person might gospel because you or the person might not respond, or because you may ask a not respond, or because you may ask a not respond, or because you may ask a question, or maybe because they might question, or maybe because they might question, or maybe because they might reject you? reject you? reject you? Well, I'm going to say like Paul that Well, I'm going to say like Paul that Well, I'm going to say like Paul that said, "It does not matter."

said, "It does not matter." said, "It does not matter." What are we called to do? We are called What are we called to do? We are called What are we called to do? We are called to share the gospel. to share the gospel. to share the gospel. And sometimes you don't even have to use And sometimes you don't even have to use And sometimes you don't even have to use words. words. words. You just live the life. You just live the life. You just live the life. But the results is up to God, the Lord But the results is up to God, the Lord But the results is up to God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. The results are up to him. So it really The results are up to him. So it really The results are up to him. So it really doesn't matter. Paul is saying, doesn't matter. Paul is saying, doesn't matter. Paul is saying, "Proclaim the gospel." But then Paul "Proclaim the gospel." But then Paul "Proclaim the gospel." But then Paul kind of ups the ante just a little bit, kind of ups the ante just a little bit, kind of ups the ante just a little bit, doesn't he? He says that in all of this, doesn't he? He says that in all of this, doesn't he? He says that in all of this, there's two things. One of them is the there's two things. One of them is the there's two things. One of them is the prison life, one of them is sharing the prison life, one of them is sharing the prison life, one of them is sharing the gospel. In all of this, I rejoice, and gospel. In all of this, I rejoice, and gospel. In all of this, I rejoice, and I'm going to keep on rejoicing. So, do I'm going to keep on rejoicing. So, do I'm going to keep on rejoicing. So, do you joyfully you joyfully you joyfully share the message of Jesus Christ? share the message of Jesus Christ? share the message of Jesus Christ? Literally, those words means Literally, those words means Literally, those words means I'm now rejoicing and I'm going to I'm now rejoicing and I'm going to I'm now rejoicing and I'm going to continue rejoicing the rest of my life. continue rejoicing the rest of my life. continue rejoicing the rest of my life. And the results don't really matter. I'm And the results don't really matter. I'm And the results don't really matter. I'm doing what God has called me to do. doing what God has called me to do. doing what God has called me to do. Has there been a time in your life, Has there been a time in your life, Has there been a time in your life, maybe, maybe, maybe, when you were so in love with Jesus when you were so in love with Jesus when you were so in love with Jesus Christ? And hope that's today.

Christ? And hope that's today. Christ? And hope that's today. Um Um Um you're so obsessed with him. you're so obsessed with him. you're so obsessed with him. You were so sensitive to his leading You were so sensitive to his leading You were so sensitive to his leading into the power of his Holy Spirit into the power of his Holy Spirit into the power of his Holy Spirit that you just had to tell anybody and that you just had to tell anybody and that you just had to tell anybody and everybody who would listen about Jesus everybody who would listen about Jesus everybody who would listen about Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Has there been a time in your life like Has there been a time in your life like Has there been a time in your life like that? that? that? Well, you know, I was saved when I was 8 Well, you know, I was saved when I was 8 Well, you know, I was saved when I was 8 years old. years old. years old. That's a couple years ago. One of your That's a couple years ago. One of your That's a couple years ago. One of your staff told me said, "Was that 33 years staff told me said, "Was that 33 years staff told me said, "Was that 33 years ago?" I said, "Well, we'll believe it ago?" I said, "Well, we'll believe it ago?" I said, "Well, we'll believe it is, okay?" So, I was saved when I was 8 is, okay?" So, I was saved when I was 8 is, okay?" So, I was saved when I was 8 years old. years old. years old. I remember coming home and standing on I remember coming home and standing on I remember coming home and standing on this little cinder block fence in front this little cinder block fence in front this little cinder block fence in front of our house and raising my arms up and of our house and raising my arms up and of our house and raising my arms up and say, "I'm going to get to go to heaven. say, "I'm going to get to go to heaven. say, "I'm going to get to go to heaven. Jesus Christ has my life." Jesus Christ has my life." Jesus Christ has my life." And I told all the neighborhood kids, And I told all the neighborhood kids, And I told all the neighborhood kids, all the third grade kids, I remember all the third grade kids, I remember all the third grade kids, I remember telling everybody that I was saved and telling everybody that I was saved and telling everybody that I was saved and when I died, I was going to go to when I died, I was going to go to when I died, I was going to go to heaven. heaven. heaven. Fast forward just a little bit, I got Fast forward just a little bit, I got Fast forward just a little bit, I got married in 1973, had a son born in 1974, married in 1973, had a son born in 1974, married in 1973, had a son born in 1974, graduated dental school as I said graduated dental school as I said graduated dental school as I said earlier in 1980.

earlier in 1980. earlier in 1980. And from 1980 to 1994, 14 years, I spent my time, my energy, my focus, I spent my time, my energy, my focus, and just [snorts] about all that I had and just [snorts] about all that I had and just [snorts] about all that I had on building a dinner dental dental on building a dinner dental dental on building a dinner dental dental career, career, career, on treating patients, and managing a on treating patients, and managing a on treating patients, and managing a business, and hiring people, and all the business, and hiring people, and all the business, and hiring people, and all the things that come with that, things that come with that, things that come with that, even at the detriment of almost losing even at the detriment of almost losing even at the detriment of almost losing my marriage and my family. my marriage and my family. my marriage and my family. 1994, Easter Sunday, 1994, Easter Sunday, 1994, Easter Sunday, my wife and I had a fight. my wife and I had a fight. my wife and I had a fight. And she decided not to go to church on And she decided not to go to church on And she decided not to go to church on Easter. Easter. Easter. I remember I told you I was born at I remember I told you I was born at I remember I told you I was born at Center Baptist Church, raised at Center Center Baptist Church, raised at Center Center Baptist Church, raised at Center Baptist Church, dad was a deacon at Baptist Church, dad was a deacon at Baptist Church, dad was a deacon at Center Baptist Church. Center Baptist Church. Center Baptist Church. I decided I was going anyway, probably I decided I was going anyway, probably I decided I was going anyway, probably out of spite, that's the wrong thing, out of spite, that's the wrong thing, out of spite, that's the wrong thing, but I was going to go anyway. but I was going to go anyway. but I was going to go anyway. Drive downtown Main Street Jonesboro Drive downtown Main Street Jonesboro Drive downtown Main Street Jonesboro Center Baptist Church used to be, I Center Baptist Church used to be, I Center Baptist Church used to be, I parked, parked, parked, walked in the back door, which was walked in the back door, which was walked in the back door, which was actually the front door but the back of actually the front door but the back of actually the front door but the back of the sanctuary. the sanctuary. the sanctuary. Sneaked up the steps like nobody's going Sneaked up the steps like nobody's going Sneaked up the steps like nobody's going to see me or recognize who I was and sat to see me or recognize who I was and sat to see me or recognize who I was and sat on the back row on the back row on the back row of the balcony at Center Baptist Church.

of the balcony at Center Baptist Church. of the balcony at Center Baptist Church. And I can't tell you And I can't tell you And I can't tell you the message that was preached. I don't the message that was preached. I don't the message that was preached. I don't remember it at all. remember it at all. remember it at all. But I can tell you this, God brought But I can tell you this, God brought But I can tell you this, God brought conviction to my life in an unbelievable conviction to my life in an unbelievable conviction to my life in an unbelievable way. way. way. And here's what occurred. And here's what occurred. And here's what occurred. At the end of the message, At the end of the message, At the end of the message, I was getting convicted by the Holy I was getting convicted by the Holy I was getting convicted by the Holy Spirit all the way through it. At the Spirit all the way through it. At the Spirit all the way through it. At the end of the message, end of the message, end of the message, God opened up a window of heaven God opened up a window of heaven God opened up a window of heaven for a micro millisecond or less for a micro millisecond or less for a micro millisecond or less and let me see the glory of God. and let me see the glory of God. and let me see the glory of God. And I fell And I fell And I fell prostrate on the floor. prostrate on the floor. prostrate on the floor. People thought I had had a heart attack. People thought I had had a heart attack. People thought I had had a heart attack. I don't think it was slain in the I don't think it was slain in the I don't think it was slain in the spirit. I think I was just so overcome spirit. I think I was just so overcome spirit. I think I was just so overcome by my sinfulness and my ugliness by my sinfulness and my ugliness by my sinfulness and my ugliness compared to the glory of God that I just compared to the glory of God that I just compared to the glory of God that I just hit the floor. hit the floor. hit the floor. And when I finally kind of realized what And when I finally kind of realized what And when I finally kind of realized what was going on, people were gathered was going on, people were gathered was going on, people were gathered around me, they thought, like I said, around me, they thought, like I said, around me, they thought, like I said, had a heart attack. You okay? You okay? had a heart attack. You okay? You okay? had a heart attack. You okay? You okay? All those things. All those things. All those things. Only thing I could remember, one thing I Only thing I could remember, one thing I Only thing I could remember, one thing I could remember, could remember, could remember, I've got to get home and beg my wife's I've got to get home and beg my wife's I've got to get home and beg my wife's forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness for the burden, for the weight that I'd for the burden, for the weight that I'd for the burden, for the weight that I'd put on her shoulders put on her shoulders put on her shoulders >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> to >> to >> to to perform a certain way, to act a to perform a certain way, to act a to perform a certain way, to act a certain way, to be a certain thing of certain way, to be a certain thing of certain way, to be a certain thing of what I thought a wife should be.

what I thought a wife should be. what I thought a wife should be. But I had to ask her forgiveness. But I had to ask her forgiveness. But I had to ask her forgiveness. Her Excuse me, I hurried home, Her Excuse me, I hurried home, Her Excuse me, I hurried home, got down on her knees. got down on her knees. got down on her knees. You will get this picture. You will get this picture. You will get this picture. You know, I walk in and she's still You know, I walk in and she's still You know, I walk in and she's still sitting in the chair. sitting in the chair. sitting in the chair. Just look. Just look. Just look. I got down on my knees, emotions, tears I got down on my knees, emotions, tears I got down on my knees, emotions, tears running down my face, and I begged her running down my face, and I begged her running down my face, and I begged her forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. And thankfully God broke her heart in And thankfully God broke her heart in And thankfully God broke her heart in that, too, and he did an unbelievable that, too, and he did an unbelievable that, too, and he did an unbelievable work in our life. I mean, it was I can work in our life. I mean, it was I can work in our life. I mean, it was I can almost describe it. almost describe it. almost describe it. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> But here's the point. Christ became our >> But here's the point. Christ became our >> But here's the point. Christ became our magnificent obsession. magnificent obsession. magnificent obsession. He became our identity. He became all we He became our identity. He became all we He became our identity. He became all we talked about, like that little eighth talked about, like that little eighth talked about, like that little eighth grade boy wanted to tell everybody that grade boy wanted to tell everybody that grade boy wanted to tell everybody that they were going to heaven. That's who we they were going to heaven. That's who we they were going to heaven. That's who we became. became. became. My wife worked in my dental practice at My wife worked in my dental practice at My wife worked in my dental practice at time, and I could time, and I could time, and I could tell you story after story after story tell you story after story after story tell you story after story after story after story if I had time. after story if I had time. after story if I had time. But every day at lunch, But every day at lunch, But every day at lunch, we would get our peanut butter crackers we would get our peanut butter crackers we would get our peanut butter crackers and a Coke, and a Coke, and a Coke, drive from my office on Whit Springs drive from my office on Whit Springs drive from my office on Whit Springs Road to downtown Jonesboro on Main Road to downtown Jonesboro on Main Road to downtown Jonesboro on Main Street, park our car, Street, park our car, Street, park our car, we'd [snorts] walk down the street, find we'd [snorts] walk down the street, find we'd [snorts] walk down the street, find somebody share the gospel with.

somebody share the gospel with. somebody share the gospel with. Introduce ourselves, where do you go to Introduce ourselves, where do you go to Introduce ourselves, where do you go to church? God would open the door, we'd church? God would open the door, we'd church? God would open the door, we'd share the gospel with them, pray with share the gospel with them, pray with share the gospel with them, pray with them if they'd let us. I'd go in and out them if they'd let us. I'd go in and out them if they'd let us. I'd go in and out of the buildings. of the buildings. of the buildings. And [snorts] uh I'll never forget, And [snorts] uh I'll never forget, And [snorts] uh I'll never forget, walked in one building on Main Street, walked in one building on Main Street, walked in one building on Main Street, and [snorts] uh and [snorts] uh and [snorts] uh there sat Central Baptist Church's there sat Central Baptist Church's there sat Central Baptist Church's chairman of deacons. chairman of deacons. chairman of deacons. He said, "Hey Dr. Bill, what are you He said, "Hey Dr. Bill, what are you He said, "Hey Dr. Bill, what are you doing here?" And I said, "I'm here to doing here?" And I said, "I'm here to doing here?" And I said, "I'm here to witness with you, make sure that you're witness with you, make sure that you're witness with you, make sure that you're a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ." a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ." a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ." This is our chairman of deacons. So, my This is our chairman of deacons. So, my This is our chairman of deacons. So, my point in all that is uh point in all that is uh point in all that is uh we were rejoicing in what God had done we were rejoicing in what God had done we were rejoicing in what God had done in our life, in our life, in our life, and we were proclaiming the gospel. So, and we were proclaiming the gospel. So, and we were proclaiming the gospel. So, a Christ-centered man rejoices in the a Christ-centered man rejoices in the a Christ-centered man rejoices in the gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ. gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ. gospel message of the Lord Jesus Christ. Second point is the Christ-centered man Second point is the Christ-centered man Second point is the Christ-centered man depends on Christ's power. Paul says, depends on Christ's power. Paul says, depends on Christ's power. Paul says, "For I know this." "For I know this." "For I know this." This is all of the prison life junk, all This is all of the prison life junk, all This is all of the prison life junk, all of the adversities, etc., etc. For I of the adversities, etc., etc. For I of the adversities, etc., etc. For I know this, what what? know this, what what? know this, what what? Turn out for my deliverance. Say what?

Turn out for my deliverance. Say what? Turn out for my deliverance. Say what? I know that all of this junk is going to I know that all of this junk is going to I know that all of this junk is going to turn out for my deliverance. Think about turn out for my deliverance. Think about turn out for my deliverance. Think about that for a second. I've got to say, that for a second. I've got to say, that for a second. I've got to say, "How? "How? "How? How is that going to turn out for your How is that going to turn out for your How is that going to turn out for your deliverance?" Is Paul talking about deliverance?" Is Paul talking about deliverance?" Is Paul talking about physical deliverance out of prison or is physical deliverance out of prison or is physical deliverance out of prison or is Paul talking about the the deliverance, Paul talking about the the deliverance, Paul talking about the the deliverance, the salvation that the Lord Jesus Christ the salvation that the Lord Jesus Christ the salvation that the Lord Jesus Christ offers. offers. offers. All that stuff is going to turn out for All that stuff is going to turn out for All that stuff is going to turn out for his deliverance. Well, the answer to his deliverance. Well, the answer to his deliverance. Well, the answer to that is yes. Physical deliverance from that is yes. Physical deliverance from that is yes. Physical deliverance from prison, possibly, didn't matter to Paul, prison, possibly, didn't matter to Paul, prison, possibly, didn't matter to Paul, I can guarantee you that. Our spiritual I can guarantee you that. Our spiritual I can guarantee you that. Our spiritual deliverance from the penalty of sin, the deliverance from the penalty of sin, the deliverance from the penalty of sin, the answer to that question is yes for both answer to that question is yes for both answer to that question is yes for both of those. As a matter of fact, in of those. As a matter of fact, in of those. As a matter of fact, in scripture, scripture, scripture, there's [snorts] a Greek word, soteria. there's [snorts] a Greek word, soteria. there's [snorts] a Greek word, soteria. Soteria. Soteria. Soteria. Translated a lot of times as Translated a lot of times as Translated a lot of times as deliverance. deliverance. deliverance. Translated other times, salvation. Translated other times, salvation. Translated other times, salvation. So, Paul is saying, So, Paul is saying, So, Paul is saying, "Yeah, hey, all of this is going to turn "Yeah, hey, all of this is going to turn "Yeah, hey, all of this is going to turn out for me being saved from the penalty out for me being saved from the penalty out for me being saved from the penalty of sin. of sin. of sin. Delivered. All this is going to turn out Delivered. All this is going to turn out Delivered. All this is going to turn out for me being saved or delivered from the for me being saved or delivered from the for me being saved or delivered from the power of sin in my life. And all of this power of sin in my life. And all of this power of sin in my life. And all of this is going to turn out for me being is going to turn out for me being is going to turn out for me being delivered or saved from the presence of delivered or saved from the presence of delivered or saved from the presence of sin sin sin in the future."

in the future." in the future." If you look back in chapter 1, verse 6 If you look back in chapter 1, verse 6 If you look back in chapter 1, verse 6 in Philippians, Paul says, "I am in Philippians, Paul says, "I am in Philippians, Paul says, "I am confident confident confident of this one thing. of this one thing. of this one thing. He who began a good work in you, or me He who began a good work in you, or me He who began a good work in you, or me if you will, will perfect it until the if you will, will perfect it until the if you will, will perfect it until the day of Christ." So, what Paul is saying day of Christ." So, what Paul is saying day of Christ." So, what Paul is saying is, "Yeah, I'm going to be delivered is, "Yeah, I'm going to be delivered is, "Yeah, I'm going to be delivered from the penalty. from the penalty. from the penalty. That's I'm going to be justified That's I'm going to be justified That's I'm going to be justified because of the death, burial, and because of the death, burial, and because of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, I'm going to be delivered from the Yeah, I'm going to be delivered from the Yeah, I'm going to be delivered from the power of sin. power of sin. power of sin. I'm going to be sanctified. I'm going to be sanctified. I'm going to be sanctified. My life here on Earth, I'm going to be My life here on Earth, I'm going to be My life here on Earth, I'm going to be more and more and more and more like my more and more and more and more like my more and more and more and more like my savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And being completed being completed being completed perfected until the day of Christ. Paul perfected until the day of Christ. Paul perfected until the day of Christ. Paul is saying, yep, I'm being saved, is saying, yep, I'm being saved, is saying, yep, I'm being saved, delivered from the presence of sin. I delivered from the presence of sin. I delivered from the presence of sin. I will one day be glorified. will one day be glorified. will one day be glorified. So, how? So, how's all that going to So, how? So, how's all that going to So, how? So, how's all that going to take place? Well, Paul says two ways. take place? Well, Paul says two ways. take place? Well, Paul says two ways. Prayers Prayers Prayers power of prayer and the power of the power of prayer and the power of the power of prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. Let me ask you this. How many of of you Let me ask you this. How many of of you Let me ask you this. How many of of you don't have to raise your hand, but how don't have to raise your hand, but how don't have to raise your hand, but how many of you in this room where you are many of you in this room where you are many of you in this room where you are today because there was a mom or a dad today because there was a mom or a dad today because there was a mom or a dad or a deacon or a Sunday school teacher or a deacon or a Sunday school teacher or a deacon or a Sunday school teacher or maybe somebody just knew you would or maybe somebody just knew you would or maybe somebody just knew you would not give up on calling your name out to not give up on calling your name out to not give up on calling your name out to the Lord Jesus Christ.

the Lord Jesus Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. The power of prayer. The power of prayer. The power of prayer. The power of prayer. The power of prayer. The power of prayer. I know I am. I can say yes to that. And I know I am. I can say yes to that. And I know I am. I can say yes to that. And in the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul in the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul in the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul says, you know, I have this confidence says, you know, I have this confidence says, you know, I have this confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit. It's in the power of the Holy Spirit. It's in the power of the Holy Spirit. It's not self-confidence. It's Holy Spirit not self-confidence. It's Holy Spirit not self-confidence. It's Holy Spirit confidence that he has to be able to confidence that he has to be able to confidence that he has to be able to share. Matter of fact, one of my share. Matter of fact, one of my share. Matter of fact, one of my I I shouldn't say favorite verses, but I I shouldn't say favorite verses, but I I shouldn't say favorite verses, but the one I hear a lot from a good friend the one I hear a lot from a good friend the one I hear a lot from a good friend uh that is always quoting this is found uh that is always quoting this is found uh that is always quoting this is found in 1 John 5:14-15. in 1 John 5:14-15. in 1 John 5:14-15. This is what Paul was praying, saying, This is what Paul was praying, saying, This is what Paul was praying, saying, and living. This is the confidence which and living. This is the confidence which and living. This is the confidence which I have before God that if I ask anything I have before God that if I ask anything I have before God that if I ask anything according to his will he hears me. according to his will he hears me. according to his will he hears me. And if we know that he hears the thing And if we know that he hears the thing And if we know that he hears the thing in which we ask, we know that we have in which we ask, we know that we have in which we ask, we know that we have the request which we ask from him. the request which we ask from him. the request which we ask from him. That's a lot of words to say That's a lot of words to say That's a lot of words to say that if I pray God's will to him, we that if I pray God's will to him, we that if I pray God's will to him, we know he hears it and he's going to act know he hears it and he's going to act know he hears it and he's going to act on it. Well, what would you say? on it. Well, what would you say? on it. Well, what would you say? What would you say is the one thing that What would you say is the one thing that What would you say is the one thing that we could pray to God that we know would we could pray to God that we know would we could pray to God that we know would be his will and we know that he will act be his will and we know that he will act be his will and we know that he will act on it.

on it. on it. What would that be? What would that be? What would that be? You know, 2 2 3:9 says, God desires that You know, 2 2 3:9 says, God desires that You know, 2 2 3:9 says, God desires that none should perish, but that all would none should perish, but that all would none should perish, but that all would come to saving knowledge, to repentance come to saving knowledge, to repentance come to saving knowledge, to repentance in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I could say that could say that could say that with great assurance that God's will is with great assurance that God's will is with great assurance that God's will is that all would be saved. that all would be saved. that all would be saved. As a matter of fact, I want to do a As a matter of fact, I want to do a As a matter of fact, I want to do a little something, take a minute or two little something, take a minute or two little something, take a minute or two to put We're going to practice what I to put We're going to practice what I to put We're going to practice what I just shared with you. So, this is not just shared with you. So, this is not just shared with you. So, this is not the invitation, so don't get excited. I the invitation, so don't get excited. I the invitation, so don't get excited. I got to see what time it is. We got a got to see what time it is. We got a got to see what time it is. We got a little bit of time. little bit of time. little bit of time. Um Um Um I want everybody close your eyes, I want everybody close your eyes, I want everybody close your eyes, bow your head, bow your head, bow your head, and I want you to think of that one and I want you to think of that one and I want you to think of that one person person person that you know that you know that you know needs the Lord Jesus Christ as their needs the Lord Jesus Christ as their needs the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior. savior. savior. Who is that person out there? Who is that person out there? Who is that person out there? Now, I don't want you to call their name Now, I don't want you to call their name Now, I don't want you to call their name out, but I want you to think of their out, but I want you to think of their out, but I want you to think of their name. name. name. You know, is it Bill or John or Dan or You know, is it Bill or John or Dan or You know, is it Bill or John or Dan or Cindy or Cindy or Cindy or or Lori or whoever it would be. I just or Lori or whoever it would be. I just or Lori or whoever it would be. I just want you to have that name want you to have that name want you to have that name in your mind.

And even silently, I want you to offer And even silently, I want you to offer that name up to the Lord. that name up to the Lord. that name up to the Lord. Say, God, here is Bill, Say, God, here is Bill, Say, God, here is Bill, and he needs salvation. He needs you. and he needs salvation. He needs you. and he needs salvation. He needs you. Now, I'm going to pray. Lord, I thank Now, I'm going to pray. Lord, I thank Now, I'm going to pray. Lord, I thank you for the gospel message. I thank you you for the gospel message. I thank you you for the gospel message. I thank you because you love us. You let us love you because you love us. You let us love you because you love us. You let us love you in all that we are. And as a matter of in all that we are. And as a matter of in all that we are. And as a matter of fact, you let us love others as you love fact, you let us love others as you love fact, you let us love others as you love everybody. And Father, I pray that to be everybody. And Father, I pray that to be everybody. And Father, I pray that to be a testimony of your work in our lives a testimony of your work in our lives a testimony of your work in our lives proclaiming this life-changing gospel in proclaiming this life-changing gospel in proclaiming this life-changing gospel in all that we do. Lord, you're hearing all that we do. Lord, you're hearing all that we do. Lord, you're hearing multitude of names going up from this multitude of names going up from this multitude of names going up from this room who need room who need room who need your son, our savior, to touch their your son, our savior, to touch their your son, our savior, to touch their heart through the power of the Holy heart through the power of the Holy heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. Draw them into yourself. Bring Spirit. Draw them into yourself. Bring Spirit. Draw them into yourself. Bring them to that point of salvation. So, them to that point of salvation. So, them to that point of salvation. So, Lord, I'm asking you would be exalted in Lord, I'm asking you would be exalted in Lord, I'm asking you would be exalted in the lives of the people that are that the lives of the people that are that the lives of the people that are that are offering that name to you, but Lord, are offering that name to you, but Lord, are offering that name to you, but Lord, also be exalted in the lives of those also be exalted in the lives of those also be exalted in the lives of those names that are being offered up. names that are being offered up. names that are being offered up. May you be exalted and glorified in the May you be exalted and glorified in the May you be exalted and glorified in the salvation that's going to occur in all salvation that's going to occur in all salvation that's going to occur in all of those lives in Jesus' name of those lives in Jesus' name of those lives in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Hey, remember the story I I pray. Amen. Hey, remember the story I I pray. Amen. Hey, remember the story I told you about uh the Lord changed my told you about uh the Lord changed my told you about uh the Lord changed my life in life in life in 1994 and Easter Sunday and that story. I 1994 and Easter Sunday and that story. I 1994 and Easter Sunday and that story. I didn't find this out till didn't find this out till didn't find this out till weeks after that incident.

weeks after that incident. weeks after that incident. Probably found it out from somebody that Probably found it out from somebody that Probably found it out from somebody that got preached to him going up and down got preached to him going up and down got preached to him going up and down the sidewalk. the sidewalk. the sidewalk. But three of my best friends, they were But three of my best friends, they were But three of my best friends, they were out on a evangelism visit. Those of you out on a evangelism visit. Those of you out on a evangelism visit. Those of you that are my age or so will remember EE, that are my age or so will remember EE, that are my age or so will remember EE, Evangelism Explosion. That was a Evangelism Explosion. That was a Evangelism Explosion. That was a technique that we used to go out cold technique that we used to go out cold technique that we used to go out cold knock on doors. We didn't know where we knock on doors. We didn't know where we knock on doors. We didn't know where we were going, etc., etc. We just knocked were going, etc., etc. We just knocked were going, etc., etc. We just knocked on the door, asked for some time that we on the door, asked for some time that we on the door, asked for some time that we could share with them. And these three could share with them. And these three could share with them. And these three people knocked on the doors, nobody people knocked on the doors, nobody people knocked on the doors, nobody home, and they came down to the street home, and they came down to the street home, and they came down to the street corner to go to the next house corner to go to the next house corner to go to the next house and the Lord stopped them and the Lord stopped them and the Lord stopped them and said, "Pray for Bill Panneck." and said, "Pray for Bill Panneck." and said, "Pray for Bill Panneck." They didn't know what to pray. They didn't know what to pray. They didn't know what to pray. Didn't matter. God knew. Didn't matter. God knew. Didn't matter. God knew. But that's why God changed my life in an But that's why God changed my life in an But that's why God changed my life in an unbelievable, dramatic way unbelievable, dramatic way unbelievable, dramatic way because that was the weekend before because that was the weekend before because that was the weekend before Easter Easter Easter when they were out sharing and God when they were out sharing and God when they were out sharing and God stopped them and said, "Pray for him." stopped them and said, "Pray for him." stopped them and said, "Pray for him." Now, I will testify to you that that was Now, I will testify to you that that was Now, I will testify to you that that was not my salvation experience. I wrestled not my salvation experience. I wrestled not my salvation experience. I wrestled with that for uh for a while, but God with that for uh for a while, but God with that for uh for a while, but God made it very clear. That's another whole made it very clear. That's another whole made it very clear. That's another whole message. Uh but God answers prayer. The message. Uh but God answers prayer. The message. Uh but God answers prayer. The church's prayers and the church [snorts] church's prayers and the church [snorts] church's prayers and the church [snorts] and the power of the Holy Spirit working and the power of the Holy Spirit working and the power of the Holy Spirit working in the church in the church in the church is a real force in God's economy. So, is a real force in God's economy. So, is a real force in God's economy. So, the Christ-centered man the Christ-centered man the Christ-centered man depends on Christ's power. And lastly, depends on Christ's power. And lastly, depends on Christ's power. And lastly, the Christ-centered man lives for the Christ-centered man lives for the Christ-centered man lives for Christ's purpose in their life. Paul Christ's purpose in their life. Paul Christ's purpose in their life. Paul says, "For me to live is Christ says, "For me to live is Christ says, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

and to die is gain." and to die is gain." That sentence really only makes sense if That sentence really only makes sense if That sentence really only makes sense if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus you are a believer in the Lord Jesus you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Uh and you've read the scripture and you Uh and you've read the scripture and you Uh and you've read the scripture and you heard some of the things I said, it only heard some of the things I said, it only heard some of the things I said, it only makes sense for somebody to say that for makes sense for somebody to say that for makes sense for somebody to say that for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. me to live is Christ and to die is gain. me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul is not saying Christ is part of my Paul is not saying Christ is part of my Paul is not saying Christ is part of my life or is involved in my life or it has life or is involved in my life or it has life or is involved in my life or it has influence on my life. influence on my life. influence on my life. Paul says Christ is my life. Christ is Paul says Christ is my life. Christ is Paul says Christ is my life. Christ is my life. But you know what? There's my life. But you know what? There's my life. But you know what? There's something better. And you're going to something better. And you're going to something better. And you're going to see this next week. Paul follows it up see this next week. Paul follows it up see this next week. Paul follows it up in the verses after today's scripture. in the verses after today's scripture. in the verses after today's scripture. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> That is true, but even better he says to >> That is true, but even better he says to >> That is true, but even better he says to die die die is gain. is gain. is gain. 2 Corinthians 5:8 says absent from the 2 Corinthians 5:8 says absent from the 2 Corinthians 5:8 says absent from the body present with the Lord. Paul is body present with the Lord. Paul is body present with the Lord. Paul is saying, "Man, this is so good. saying, "Man, this is so good. saying, "Man, this is so good. I'm loving it. I'm rejoicing. I'm going I'm loving it. I'm rejoicing. I'm going I'm loving it. I'm rejoicing. I'm going to keep rejoicing. I'm always rejoicing to keep rejoicing. I'm always rejoicing to keep rejoicing. I'm always rejoicing and sharing the gospel. and sharing the gospel. and sharing the gospel. But even better, to die is gain." But even better, to die is gain." But even better, to die is gain." Why would he say that? Why would he say Why would he say that? Why would he say Why would he say that? Why would he say to die is gain? to die is gain? to die is gain? Because he gets to be in the presence of Because he gets to be in the presence of Because he gets to be in the presence of the one that was his life.

the one that was his life. the one that was his life. For him to live is Christ. He gets to For him to live is Christ. He gets to For him to live is Christ. He gets to spend eternity in the presence of the spend eternity in the presence of the spend eternity in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Come King of kings and Lord of lords. Come King of kings and Lord of lords. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We all should be quickly, Lord Jesus. We all should be quickly, Lord Jesus. We all should be saying that and live that. saying that and live that. saying that and live that. What would you put in that blank? For me What would you put in that blank? For me What would you put in that blank? For me to live is to live is to live is draw a blank. draw a blank. draw a blank. For me to live is success. For me to For me to live is success. For me to For me to live is success. For me to live is money. For me to live is fame, live is money. For me to live is fame, live is money. For me to live is fame, family, fortune. For me to live is kids. family, fortune. For me to live is kids. family, fortune. For me to live is kids. What Me to live is church. For me to What Me to live is church. For me to What Me to live is church. For me to live is to go to a good church. live is to go to a good church. live is to go to a good church. Let me submit to you that none of those Let me submit to you that none of those Let me submit to you that none of those Every answer except Christ Every answer except Christ Every answer except Christ is the wrong answer. I think I'm I think I alluded to this a I think I'm I think I alluded to this a while ago, but if I didn't, my wife was while ago, but if I didn't, my wife was while ago, but if I didn't, my wife was very, very ill. She passed away 6 years very, very ill. She passed away 6 years very, very ill. She passed away 6 years ago this coming December the 11th, 2 ago this coming December the 11th, 2 ago this coming December the 11th, 2 weeks before Christmas. weeks before Christmas. weeks before Christmas. And as I was And as I was And as I was I don't know agonizing over that, I don't know agonizing over that, I don't know agonizing over that, grieving over that, suffering over that. grieving over that, suffering over that. grieving over that, suffering over that. This was several days, three or four This was several days, three or four This was several days, three or four days when we get after the funeral days when we get after the funeral days when we get after the funeral service.

service. service. God God God calls me. I don't say he woke me up calls me. I don't say he woke me up calls me. I don't say he woke me up because I wasn't sleeping very good to because I wasn't sleeping very good to because I wasn't sleeping very good to go downstairs out on the patio. It was go downstairs out on the patio. It was go downstairs out on the patio. It was like 2:00 in the morning. like 2:00 in the morning. like 2:00 in the morning. And I remember walking out on that patio And I remember walking out on that patio And I remember walking out on that patio and looking up, which is like I did as and looking up, which is like I did as and looking up, which is like I did as an 8-year-old, an 8-year-old, an 8-year-old, and saying, "God, and saying, "God, and saying, "God, I'm missing her so much. I'm missing her so much. I'm missing her so much. Can I please have her back?" Can I please have her back?" Can I please have her back?" And the only time in my life I have ever And the only time in my life I have ever And the only time in my life I have ever heard the audible voice of God, heard the audible voice of God, heard the audible voice of God, I heard these words. I heard these words. I heard these words. "She would not want to come back." "She would not want to come back." "She would not want to come back." You know why? You know why? You know why? For to die is gain. For to die is gain. For to die is gain. She was in the presence She was in the presence She was in the presence of her savior, her Lord, of her savior, her Lord, of her savior, her Lord, and she would not want to come back. and she would not want to come back. and she would not want to come back. Man, it's like a light switch moment for Man, it's like a light switch moment for Man, it's like a light switch moment for me. Changed my life. me. Changed my life. me. Changed my life. I mean, I went from grieving I mean, I went from grieving I mean, I went from grieving to really celebrating as much as you to really celebrating as much as you to really celebrating as much as you could when you lose a spouse and know could when you lose a spouse and know could when you lose a spouse and know that one day I was going to get to that one day I was going to get to that one day I was going to get to experience that. You know, not only will experience that. You know, not only will experience that. You know, not only will I get to see her, and I don't know how I get to see her, and I don't know how I get to see her, and I don't know how all that works. I know that that's true, all that works. I know that that's true, all that works. I know that that's true, but but but to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ, Christ, that's what it is. So, as we get ready that's what it is. So, as we get ready that's what it is. So, as we get ready for the invitation, for the invitation, for the invitation, you're going to find yourself in one of you're going to find yourself in one of you're going to find yourself in one of three places this morning. You're going three places this morning. You're going three places this morning. You're going to find yourself as a believer and to find yourself as a believer and to find yourself as a believer and you're living the Christ-centered you're living the Christ-centered you're living the Christ-centered life, right? You're sharing the gospel, life, right? You're sharing the gospel, life, right? You're sharing the gospel, you rejoice in the gospel. Somebody you rejoice in the gospel. Somebody you rejoice in the gospel. Somebody starts up a conversation. Let me tell starts up a conversation. Let me tell starts up a conversation. Let me tell you what God did in my life. Let me tell you what God did in my life. Let me tell you what God did in my life. Let me tell you about the gospel.

you about the gospel. you about the gospel. And even with strangers and going out, And even with strangers and going out, And even with strangers and going out, and even this morning I dare say there's and even this morning I dare say there's and even this morning I dare say there's been some of those conversations been some of those conversations been some of those conversations probably has happened here in church. probably has happened here in church. probably has happened here in church. So, that's the first box. You could find So, that's the first box. You could find So, that's the first box. You could find yourself in that. And regardless of what yourself in that. And regardless of what yourself in that. And regardless of what happens, you're living out Christ's happens, you're living out Christ's happens, you're living out Christ's purpose in your life. purpose in your life. purpose in your life. Or you could find yourself in the second Or you could find yourself in the second Or you could find yourself in the second box, okay? You're a believer. box, okay? You're a believer. box, okay? You're a believer. You've given your life to Christ, but You've given your life to Christ, but You've given your life to Christ, but for whatever reason, you're not living for whatever reason, you're not living for whatever reason, you're not living out out out a Christ-centered life. Could be all the a Christ-centered life. Could be all the a Christ-centered life. Could be all the stuff that Paul was going through. It stuff that Paul was going through. It stuff that Paul was going through. It could be other things going on in your could be other things going on in your could be other things going on in your life. life. life. I don't know what it is, but the world's I don't know what it is, but the world's I don't know what it is, but the world's throwing a ton of stuff at us that can throwing a ton of stuff at us that can throwing a ton of stuff at us that can get us off course. get us off course. get us off course. You know, one of the things that I You know, one of the things that I You know, one of the things that I should have shared back in the testimony should have shared back in the testimony should have shared back in the testimony of 1994 Easter was that the world has so of 1994 Easter was that the world has so of 1994 Easter was that the world has so distracted me. I mean, really I the distracted me. I mean, really I the distracted me. I mean, really I the church didn't mean much to me at that church didn't mean much to me at that church didn't mean much to me at that time. Spiritual things didn't mean much time. Spiritual things didn't mean much time. Spiritual things didn't mean much to me at that time. I was so focused on to me at that time. I was so focused on to me at that time. I was so focused on work and etc., etc. Maybe you're in that work and etc., etc. Maybe you're in that work and etc., etc. Maybe you're in that box. You're believer, but you're not box. You're believer, but you're not box. You're believer, but you're not living and walking the Christ-centered living and walking the Christ-centered living and walking the Christ-centered life. And no doubt there's some people life. And no doubt there's some people life. And no doubt there's some people in this room with this eyes in this room with this eyes in this room with this eyes in the last box.

in the last box. in the last box. You couldn't put Christ in that blank You couldn't put Christ in that blank You couldn't put Christ in that blank that I asked you to fill in a while ago that I asked you to fill in a while ago that I asked you to fill in a while ago because you don't know Christ. And what's even worse, he does not know And what's even worse, he does not know you as a child of the King of kings and you as a child of the King of kings and you as a child of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Lord of lords. Lord of lords. So, if you're in that third box, I got So, if you're in that third box, I got So, if you're in that third box, I got some good news for you. Jesus took our place Jesus took our place on that cross, that instrument of death. on that cross, that instrument of death. on that cross, that instrument of death. He took our place. We were destined to He took our place. We were destined to He took our place. We were destined to die, but he stepped in as a die, but he stepped in as a die, but he stepped in as a substitutionary death on the cross, shed substitutionary death on the cross, shed substitutionary death on the cross, shed his blood so that we could be delivered his blood so that we could be delivered his blood so that we could be delivered from the penalty, from the power, from from the penalty, from the power, from from the penalty, from the power, from the presence of sin. the presence of sin. the presence of sin. Took our place, went to that grave, Took our place, went to that grave, Took our place, went to that grave, arose the third day victorious arose the third day victorious arose the third day victorious over sin. over sin. over sin. So, what I want to share with you, and I So, what I want to share with you, and I So, what I want to share with you, and I want you to listen to this. want you to listen to this. want you to listen to this. We talked about the gospel message. We talked about the gospel message. We talked about the gospel message. Talked about proclaiming the gospel Talked about proclaiming the gospel Talked about proclaiming the gospel message. We talked about living the message. We talked about living the message. We talked about living the gospel message. gospel message. gospel message. People don't hear your words because People don't hear your words because People don't hear your words because they see what you're doing. Those two they see what you're doing. Those two they see what you're doing. Those two lead to not line up. There once was a lead to not line up. There once was a lead to not line up. There once was a king over a huge kingdom. And this king king over a huge kingdom. And this king king over a huge kingdom. And this king had the reputation. Everybody knew him had the reputation. Everybody knew him had the reputation. Everybody knew him to be the most just king that there ever to be the most just king that there ever to be the most just king that there ever was.

was. was. But simultaneously the most loving king But simultaneously the most loving king But simultaneously the most loving king that there ever was. that there ever was. that there ever was. Everything was going good in the Everything was going good in the Everything was going good in the kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. Until they discovered that somebody been Until they discovered that somebody been Until they discovered that somebody been stealing out of the king's treasury. stealing out of the king's treasury. stealing out of the king's treasury. So the king issued a decree. So the king issued a decree. So the king issued a decree. When the thief is brought forth When the thief is brought forth When the thief is brought forth we will issue 10 lashes from the we will issue 10 lashes from the we will issue 10 lashes from the executioner across the back executioner across the back executioner across the back of the thief. of the thief. of the thief. Time went on. No Nobody came forward. Time went on. No Nobody came forward. Time went on. No Nobody came forward. It The king issued another decree, 20 It The king issued another decree, 20 It The king issued another decree, 20 lashes. lashes. lashes. 30 lashes. And the king finally got to 30 lashes. And the king finally got to 30 lashes. And the king finally got to 40 lashes. Now here's the thing. 40 lashes. Now here's the thing. 40 lashes. Now here's the thing. 40 lashes is a death penalty. 40 lashes is a death penalty. 40 lashes is a death penalty. 40 lashes would kill a man. 40 lashes would kill a man. 40 lashes would kill a man. If you remember the Lord Jesus Christ If you remember the Lord Jesus Christ If you remember the Lord Jesus Christ right before he went to the cross was right before he went to the cross was right before he went to the cross was lashed what? 39 times within one lash of lashed what? 39 times within one lash of lashed what? 39 times within one lash of death. death. death. Well, Well, Well, they found the thief. they found the thief. they found the thief. It was the king's daughter. It was the king's daughter. It was the king's daughter. Hey, a hush went over the kingdom.

Hey, a hush went over the kingdom. Hey, a hush went over the kingdom. If the king is just, he's going to have If the king is just, he's going to have If the king is just, he's going to have to kill his daughter. How can he be to kill his daughter. How can he be to kill his daughter. How can he be loving? loving? loving? And if the king is loving, And if the king is loving, And if the king is loving, how could he be just and pardon her? how could he be just and pardon her? how could he be just and pardon her? And the king came forward and said, And the king came forward and said, And the king came forward and said, "Hey, crime has been committed. Justice "Hey, crime has been committed. Justice "Hey, crime has been committed. Justice has to prevail. The penalty has to be has to prevail. The penalty has to be has to prevail. The penalty has to be invoked." invoked." invoked." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And so they prepared his own daughter. >> And so they prepared his own daughter. >> And so they prepared his own daughter. Brought her down before the whole Brought her down before the whole Brought her down before the whole kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. Laid her over the executioner's table. Laid her over the executioner's table. Laid her over the executioner's table. Strapped her down. Tore the shirt on her Strapped her down. Tore the shirt on her Strapped her down. Tore the shirt on her back. And the executioner stood back back. And the executioner stood back back. And the executioner stood back with a cat cat of nine tails in with a cat cat of nine tails in with a cat cat of nine tails in preparation [snorts] preparation [snorts] preparation [snorts] of giving her 40 lashes, which would be of giving her 40 lashes, which would be of giving her 40 lashes, which would be death. As he drew back, the king death. As he drew back, the king death. As he drew back, the king hollered, "Stop!" hollered, "Stop!" hollered, "Stop!" A hush fell over. A hush fell over. A hush fell over. What's he going to do? What's he going to do? What's he going to do? He got up off his throne. He got up off his throne. He got up off his throne. He walked down to where his daughter He walked down to where his daughter He walked down to where his daughter was. And he leaned down over her And he leaned down over her and put his arms around his daughter and put his arms around his daughter and put his arms around his daughter over the back of the executioner's over the back of the executioner's over the back of the executioner's table. table. table. And he looked up and he says, "Now whip And he looked up and he says, "Now whip And he looked up and he says, "Now whip me.

me. me. Don't whip her. Don't whip her. Don't whip her. Now whip her." And the executioner Now whip her." And the executioner Now whip her." And the executioner objected. He said, "I can't I can't hit objected. He said, "I can't I can't hit objected. He said, "I can't I can't hit her without hitting you, king." her without hitting you, king." her without hitting you, king." "Now hit her." "Now hit her." "Now hit her." So, the executioner gave the king So, the executioner gave the king So, the executioner gave the king 40 lashes with a nine-tail 40 lashes with a nine-tail 40 lashes with a nine-tail whip of nine tails. whip of nine tails. whip of nine tails. And he died. And he died. And he died. But But But the daughter got up the daughter got up the daughter got up and walked away free. and walked away free. and walked away free. Free. Free. Free. That's what God did for us. That's what God did for us. That's what God did for us. Now whip him. Now whip him. Now whip him. Don't whip me. Don't whip you. Don't Don't whip me. Don't whip you. Don't Don't whip me. Don't whip you. Don't whip you. Now whip him. whip you. Now whip him. whip you. Now whip him. And we get to walk away free if we trust And we get to walk away free if we trust And we get to walk away free if we trust in that and believe in that in that and believe in that in that and believe in that and acknowledge that is the gospel that and acknowledge that is the gospel that and acknowledge that is the gospel that Paul proclaimed and he wants us to live Paul proclaimed and he wants us to live Paul proclaimed and he wants us to live and proclaim. and proclaim. and proclaim. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this >> Let's pray. Father, I thank you for this morning. I thank you for the truth of morning. I thank you for the truth of morning. I thank you for the truth of your word. I thank you for the power of your word. I thank you for the power of your word. I thank you for the power of your word, God. your word, God. your word, God. Man, what a Man, what a Man, what a a simple story from a prisoner named a simple story from a prisoner named a simple story from a prisoner named Paul Paul Paul in bondage in bondage in bondage chained to the to the Roman guard.

chained to the to the Roman guard. chained to the to the Roman guard. But what a powerful powerful message But what a powerful powerful message But what a powerful powerful message the gospel message is. It changes lives. the gospel message is. It changes lives. the gospel message is. It changes lives. It saves lives. It saves lives. It saves lives. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And Father, you did it all. >> And Father, you did it all. >> And Father, you did it all. I would say if you need I would say if you need I would say if you need this morning to pray with somebody about this morning to pray with somebody about this morning to pray with somebody about what's going on in your life what's going on in your life what's going on in your life you come down. There'll be pastors here. you come down. There'll be pastors here. you come down. There'll be pastors here. There'll be deacons. There'll be people There'll be deacons. There'll be people There'll be deacons. There'll be people here that can pray with you. If you need to know the Lord Jesus If you need to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, you come forward. Christ as your savior, you come forward. Christ as your savior, you come forward. I tell you the greatest joy I I've had I tell you the greatest joy I I've had I tell you the greatest joy I I've had in my life in a long time, my first day in my life in a long time, my first day in my life in a long time, my first day on staff at Center Bible Church, on staff at Center Bible Church, on staff at Center Bible Church, I got to lead somebody to the Lord Jesus I got to lead somebody to the Lord Jesus I got to lead somebody to the Lord Jesus Christ. I'll never forget it. Christ. I'll never forget it. Christ. I'll never forget it. So, you do what God is asking you to do So, you do what God is asking you to do So, you do what God is asking you to do this morning. We give you this time, this morning. We give you this time, this morning. We give you this time, Lord Jesus Christ, for it's in your name Lord Jesus Christ, for it's in your name Lord Jesus Christ, for it's in your name we pray. we pray. we pray. Amen. Amen.