Central Baptist 8:00am LIVE

hey, hey. hey, hey. >> [music] at Central, we're all about joining

at Central, we're all about joining Jesus. [music] An essential way that we Jesus. [music] An essential way that we Jesus. [music] An essential way that we join Jesus is by reading God's word. It join Jesus is by reading God's word. It join Jesus is by reading God's word. It sets our heart, mind, and soul on the sets our heart, mind, and soul on the sets our heart, mind, and soul on the right priorities to walk in God's will. right priorities to walk in God's will. right priorities to walk in God's will. But deciding what to read can be But deciding what to read can be But deciding what to read can be difficult. At Central, we have a Bible difficult. At Central, we have a Bible difficult. At Central, we have a Bible reading plan that can be sent out to you reading plan that can be sent out to you reading plan that can be sent out to you every morning from the Central app. When every morning from the Central app. When every morning from the Central app. When you follow along with the Bible reading you follow along with the Bible reading you follow along with the Bible reading plan, you can talk it through with your plan, you can talk it through with your plan, you can talk it through with your life group, DGroup, or your friends that life group, DGroup, or your friends that life group, DGroup, or your friends that are following along. To sign up, simply are following along. To sign up, simply are following along. To sign up, simply select your profile in the top right select your profile in the top right select your profile in the top right corner, select notifications, scroll corner, select notifications, scroll corner, select notifications, scroll down, and turn on scripture reading. down, and turn on scripture reading. down, and turn on scripture reading. While you're at it, turn on any other While you're at it, turn on any other While you're at it, turn on any other notifications for ministries you want to notifications for ministries you want to notifications for ministries you want to be notified about. Let's join [music] be notified about. Let's join [music] be notified about. Let's join [music] Jesus together by leaning in to the Jesus together by leaning in to the Jesus together by leaning in to the daily reading of God's word. >> We don't see points on a map. >> We don't see points on a map. They aren't just places to us. We see They aren't just places to us. We see They aren't just places to us. We see stories of lives [music] living without stories of lives [music] living without stories of lives [music] living without the hope found in Jesus.

the hope found in Jesus. the hope found in Jesus. Today, somewhere between [music] the Today, somewhere between [music] the Today, somewhere between [music] the great commission and the great great commission and the great great commission and the great multitude, we find ourselves facing the multitude, we find ourselves facing the multitude, we find ourselves facing the world's greatest problem. world's greatest problem. world's greatest problem. lossless. lossless. lossless. Even in [music] the midst of natural Even in [music] the midst of natural Even in [music] the midst of natural disasters, humanitarian crisis, and disasters, humanitarian crisis, and disasters, humanitarian crisis, and political instability, Southern Baptists political instability, Southern Baptists political instability, Southern Baptists send IMB missionaries to give their send IMB missionaries to give their send IMB missionaries to give their lives to the lost, [music] lives to the lost, [music] lives to the lost, [music] living amongst those who have never living amongst those who have never living amongst those who have never heard the gospel. heard the gospel. heard the gospel. People in hard-to-reach [music] places, People in hard-to-reach [music] places, People in hard-to-reach [music] places, people in cities, and those who are people in cities, and those who are people in cities, and those who are dispersed and displaced [music] around dispersed and displaced [music] around dispersed and displaced [music] around the world. At the IMB, we believe that [music] At the IMB, we believe that [music] missionary presence cultivates gospel missionary presence cultivates gospel missionary presence cultivates gospel access. access. access. Gospel access that knows no geographic Gospel access that knows no geographic Gospel access that knows no geographic or social [music] boundary. We believe or social [music] boundary. We believe or social [music] boundary. We believe that missionary presence fuels gospel that missionary presence fuels gospel that missionary presence fuels gospel belief. And we see the results. We see belief. And we see the results. We see belief. And we see the results. We see lives transformed, generations forever lives transformed, generations forever lives transformed, generations forever [music] changed and churches planted. [music] changed and churches planted. [music] changed and churches planted. Local expressions of the church that Local expressions of the church that Local expressions of the church that take ownership and thrive.

God has made [music] our purpose clear. God has made [music] our purpose clear. Together, we seek to take the gospel to Together, we seek to take the gospel to Together, we seek to take the gospel to every nation, to all [music] tribes, to every nation, to all [music] tribes, to every nation, to all [music] tribes, to all peoples, to all languages. all peoples, to all languages. all peoples, to all languages. We don't [music] see places on a map. We We don't [music] see places on a map. We We don't [music] see places on a map. We see our place in fulfilling the great see our place in fulfilling the great see our place in fulfilling the great commission. This is our mission. This is commission. This is our mission. This is commission. This is our mission. This is your mission. And we are reaching the your mission. And we are reaching the your mission. And we are reaching the nations together. At Central, we believe that giving has At Central, we believe that giving has the power to change lives and advance the power to change lives and advance the power to change lives and advance the gospel in ways we can't even the gospel in ways we can't even the gospel in ways we can't even imagine. It is through your faithful imagine. It is through your faithful imagine. It is through your faithful giving that we have been able to plant giving that we have been able to plant giving that we have been able to plant churches, send missionaries, and reach churches, send missionaries, and reach churches, send missionaries, and reach more people with the gospel of Jesus more people with the gospel of Jesus more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ here locally and around the Christ here locally and around the Christ here locally and around the world. Contributing to the mission is world. Contributing to the mission is world. Contributing to the mission is easy. You can download our app, visit us easy. You can download our app, visit us easy. You can download our app, visit us at centralbaptist.com/g, at centralbaptist.com/g, at centralbaptist.com/g, text give to 8709351950, or drop your donation in any of the or drop your donation in any of the black boxes around the church. Let's black boxes around the church. Let's black boxes around the church. Let's join Jesus together and see how your join Jesus together and see how your join Jesus together and see how your giving changes lives.

Hey, Hey, [music] Hey Central family, [music]

Hey Central family, [music] thanks for joining us for worship this thanks for joining us for worship this thanks for joining us for worship this morning. Get connected to what's morning. Get connected to what's morning. Get connected to what's happening at Central by texting the word happening at Central by texting the word happening at Central by texting the word connect to 870-9351950. connect to 870-9351950. connect to 870-9351950. [music] [music] [music] Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social media, download the Central [music] app, media, download the Central [music] app, media, download the Central [music] app, and check out centralbible.com for more and check out centralbible.com for more and check out centralbible.com for more information. We're getting ready to information. We're getting ready to information. We're getting ready to begin our time [music] of worship. As begin our time [music] of worship. As begin our time [music] of worship. As you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you to sing along as we remember [music] you to sing along as we remember [music] you to sing along as we remember [music] the gospel, to open your Bibles as we the gospel, to open your Bibles as we the gospel, to open your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, and also to engage the scriptures, and also to engage the scriptures, and also to worship Jesus with us this morning. The worship Jesus with us this morning. The worship Jesus with us this morning. The gospel of [music] Jesus is why we're gospel of [music] Jesus is why we're gospel of [music] Jesus is why we're gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. worshiping with us. worshiping with us. Good morning, church family. How we Good morning, church family. How we Good morning, church family. How we doing? We doing good this morning. Let's doing? We doing good this morning. Let's doing? We doing good this morning. Let's go stand up to our feet. Uh you might go stand up to our feet. Uh you might go stand up to our feet. Uh you might notice the stage is a little younger. notice the stage is a little younger. notice the stage is a little younger. [music] We got our student band with us [music] We got our student band with us [music] We got our student band with us this Sunday. So, it's going to be a this Sunday. So, it's going to be a this Sunday. So, it's going to be a great day of worship. We're going to great day of worship. We're going to great day of worship. We're going to praise the Lord. We're going to sing to praise the Lord. We're going to sing to praise the Lord. We're going to sing to his name. We're going to lift him on his name. We're going to lift him on his name. We're going to lift him on [music] high. And it's going to be a [music] high. And it's going to be a [music] high. And it's going to be a great day of singing. So, here we go. great day of singing. So, here we go. great day of singing. So, here we go. [music] This [music] is This [music] is the day you made.

the day you made. the day you made. So, I [music] will rejoice and be glad. So, I [music] will rejoice and be glad. So, I [music] will rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in it. [music] [music] This is This is This is where I believe where I believe where I believe that you are more than [music] enough. that you are more than [music] enough. that you are more than [music] enough. More than enough for me. Come on. More than enough for me. Come on. More than enough for me. Come on. [music] You are faithful. You are [music] You are faithful. You are [music] You are faithful. You are faithful to your promise. You are strong faithful to your promise. You are strong faithful to your promise. You are strong when [music] I am weak. When I'm when [music] I am weak. When I'm when [music] I am weak. When I'm standing in your presence, I have standing in your presence, I have standing in your presence, I have everything [music] I need. everything [music] I need. everything [music] I need. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord [singing] is my strength. The joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of The joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. [music] the Lord is my strength. [music] the Lord is my strength. [music] Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is within me [music] say the joy of the within me [music] say the joy of the within me [music] say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [singing] Lord. The joy of the Lord is [singing] Lord. The joy of the Lord is [singing] my strength.

my strength. my strength. [music] Come on, let's continue to sing. Oh Come on, let's continue to sing. Oh Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Oh come one day. Oh come one day. Oh come one day. Cuz you are [music] worthy [singing] of Cuz you are [music] worthy [singing] of Cuz you are [music] worthy [singing] of all. Worthy of all my praise. all. Worthy of all my praise. all. Worthy of all my praise. Cuz [music] you are faithful to your Cuz [music] you are faithful to your Cuz [music] you are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. [music] When I'm standing in your [music] When I'm standing in your [music] When I'm standing in your presence, I have [music] everything presence, I have [music] everything presence, I have [music] everything [singing] [singing] [singing] I need. I need. I need. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is [singing] my strength. is [singing] my strength. is [singing] my strength. [music] Feeling the joy of the Lord. The [music] Feeling the joy of the Lord. The [music] Feeling the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All [singing] that is [music] his name. All [singing] that is [music] his name. All [singing] that is [music] within me say the joy of the Lord. The within me say the joy of the Lord. The within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the Lord is my strength.

Come on church, let's sing this next Come on church, let's sing this next part loud and proud. Every voice [music] part loud and proud. Every voice [music] part loud and proud. Every voice [music] let it rise up. let it rise up. let it rise up. Like a river Like a river Like a river overflowing, [music] Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. [music] So let it pour out [music] So let it pour out [music] So let it pour out with no living with no living with no living overflowing. overflowing. overflowing. [music] [music] [music] Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit arise. Let it [music and singing] rise arise. Let it [music and singing] rise arise. Let it [music and singing] rise up up up like a river. [music] [singing] [singing] [music] Holy Spirit glory. glory. [music] [music] [music] Holy Spirit.

Oh, Oh, [music and singing] in the [music] presence of the Lord full in the [music] presence of the Lord full of joy. So [music] this morning, of joy. So [music] this morning, of joy. So [music] this morning, [singing] [singing] [singing] >> the joy of the Lord, the joy [music] of >> the joy of the Lord, the joy [music] of >> the joy of the Lord, the joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord [music and singing] is my strength. Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. [singing] [singing] [singing] All that is to give me. All that is to give me. All that is to give me. Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All that is to give me. that is to give me. that is to give me. Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All that is within me. [music] that is within me. [music] that is within me. [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Amen. [music] Amen. We just praise God Amen. [music] Amen. We just praise God for the joy we have in you this morning.

for the joy we have in you this morning. for the joy we have in you this morning. Grace [music] you church. Grace. Come Grace [music] you church. Grace. Come Grace [music] you church. Grace. Come and take a seat. and take a seat. and take a seat. Well, good morning church family. Well, good morning church family. Well, good morning church family. Nothing does me more joy than to see uh Nothing does me more joy than to see uh Nothing does me more joy than to see uh so many of the students that I get to so many of the students that I get to so many of the students that I get to see on every Wednesday night uh leading see on every Wednesday night uh leading see on every Wednesday night uh leading worship. And man, Nathan does a great worship. And man, Nathan does a great worship. And man, Nathan does a great job of leading them. I'm just so job of leading them. I'm just so job of leading them. I'm just so thankful uh for them and and all the thankful uh for them and and all the thankful uh for them and and all the work that they put in that we have uh work that they put in that we have uh work that they put in that we have uh the ability here at Central uh for the ability here at Central uh for the ability here at Central uh for students to step in that the Lord has students to step in that the Lord has students to step in that the Lord has given them wonderful gifts and then that given them wonderful gifts and then that given them wonderful gifts and then that they choose to worship here. Well, hey, they choose to worship here. Well, hey, they choose to worship here. Well, hey, if it's your first time here, welcome. if it's your first time here, welcome. if it's your first time here, welcome. My name is Jacob. We're so glad that My name is Jacob. We're so glad that My name is Jacob. We're so glad that you've chosen to worship with us this you've chosen to worship with us this you've chosen to worship with us this morning. Uh if you do not know, our morning. Uh if you do not know, our morning. Uh if you do not know, our mission here is to reach, connect, mission here is to reach, connect, mission here is to reach, connect, disciple, and send to to reach the lost, disciple, and send to to reach the lost, disciple, and send to to reach the lost, to get them plugged in, connected uh to to get them plugged in, connected uh to to get them plugged in, connected uh to a life group, to a D-group, to disciple a life group, to a D-group, to disciple a life group, to a D-group, to disciple them, and to send them right back out. them, and to send them right back out. them, and to send them right back out. And that is our mission. That is our And that is our mission. That is our And that is our mission. That is our goal here as a church. And I want you to goal here as a church. And I want you to goal here as a church. And I want you to know that there is a place here for you. know that there is a place here for you. know that there is a place here for you. So, if you are new or you've not plugged So, if you are new or you've not plugged So, if you are new or you've not plugged in and got connected, you can grab one in and got connected, you can grab one in and got connected, you can grab one of those cards. You can text connect to of those cards. You can text connect to of those cards. You can text connect to 8709351950.

8709351950. 8709351950. You can connect with us. Someone will You can connect with us. Someone will You can connect with us. Someone will reach out and get connected with you. uh reach out and get connected with you. uh reach out and get connected with you. uh to get you plugged in somewhere. I to get you plugged in somewhere. I to get you plugged in somewhere. I promise you that. Uh but we would love promise you that. Uh but we would love promise you that. Uh but we would love to be able to connect with you in that. to be able to connect with you in that. to be able to connect with you in that. We also uh want to say thank you for We also uh want to say thank you for We also uh want to say thank you for your giving. Uh it's because of your your giving. Uh it's because of your your giving. Uh it's because of your giving that we have opportunities to do giving that we have opportunities to do giving that we have opportunities to do some amazing things. Maybe you have some amazing things. Maybe you have some amazing things. Maybe you have heard uh some of the wonderful things heard uh some of the wonderful things heard uh some of the wonderful things that have happened uh in the past few that have happened uh in the past few that have happened uh in the past few weeks through VBS of the giving that weeks through VBS of the giving that weeks through VBS of the giving that happened for Como and what they're going happened for Como and what they're going happened for Como and what they're going to be able to do with uh that giving uh to be able to do with uh that giving uh to be able to do with uh that giving uh the record uh number for VBS given. Uh the record uh number for VBS given. Uh the record uh number for VBS given. Uh they're going to have so many block they're going to have so many block they're going to have so many block parties and VBS outreach events uh to parties and VBS outreach events uh to parties and VBS outreach events uh to help serve that community and get the help serve that community and get the help serve that community and get the word out about their church. We actually word out about their church. We actually word out about their church. We actually have a prayer team there right now in have a prayer team there right now in have a prayer team there right now in Columbia, Missouri, praying over the Columbia, Missouri, praying over the Columbia, Missouri, praying over the city, walking through and and hoping to city, walking through and and hoping to city, walking through and and hoping to have conversations with different people have conversations with different people have conversations with different people and and pointing them towards the church and and pointing them towards the church and and pointing them towards the church uh campus uh to be planted here soon uh campus uh to be planted here soon uh campus uh to be planted here soon that that they'll say have an that that they'll say have an that that they'll say have an opportunity for them to come in and opportunity for them to come in and opportunity for them to come in and serve. Uh so just be praying for that serve. Uh so just be praying for that serve. Uh so just be praying for that prayer team uh the doors, windows, prayer team uh the doors, windows, prayer team uh the doors, windows, cracks, whatever would just be open uh cracks, whatever would just be open uh cracks, whatever would just be open uh for them to have conversations with for them to have conversations with for them to have conversations with people. Uh we also uh here before uh we people. Uh we also uh here before uh we people. Uh we also uh here before uh we pray in just a moment. Um uh I want to pray in just a moment. Um uh I want to pray in just a moment. Um uh I want to uh just ask that you would pray uh for uh just ask that you would pray uh for uh just ask that you would pray uh for the Howard family. Maybe you've seen it, the Howard family. Maybe you've seen it, the Howard family. Maybe you've seen it, maybe you haven't. [music] Uh but this maybe you haven't. [music] Uh but this maybe you haven't. [music] Uh but this morning uh Officer Trevor Howard um was morning uh Officer Trevor Howard um was morning uh Officer Trevor Howard um was killed in the line of duty in Mark Tree.

killed in the line of duty in Mark Tree. killed in the line of duty in Mark Tree. Uh he was a church member. Maybe you've Uh he was a church member. Maybe you've Uh he was a church member. Maybe you've seen him uh play the drums for us. Maybe seen him uh play the drums for us. Maybe seen him uh play the drums for us. Maybe you've heard him uh playing for the 747 you've heard him uh playing for the 747 you've heard him uh playing for the 747 band. Uh he was uh killed in the line of band. Uh he was uh killed in the line of band. Uh he was uh killed in the line of duty uh this morning by a drunk driver. duty uh this morning by a drunk driver. duty uh this morning by a drunk driver. And we just want to pray uh for him uh And we just want to pray uh for him uh And we just want to pray uh for him uh for for his family. Uh uh uh Trenton is for for his family. Uh uh uh Trenton is for for his family. Uh uh uh Trenton is in uh the Paragle campus. He he's there in uh the Paragle campus. He he's there in uh the Paragle campus. He he's there plugged in serving. He's sometimes plugged in serving. He's sometimes plugged in serving. He's sometimes serves here with media as well. But we serves here with media as well. But we serves here with media as well. But we just want to pray for that family. Pray just want to pray for that family. Pray just want to pray for that family. Pray for Mark Trees uh police department. Uh for Mark Trees uh police department. Uh for Mark Trees uh police department. Uh pray for that city. And just pray for pray for that city. And just pray for pray for that city. And just pray for the family. uh that the Lord would just the family. uh that the Lord would just the family. uh that the Lord would just embrace them in his arms uh and just embrace them in his arms uh and just embrace them in his arms uh and just envelop them in his uh warm loving envelop them in his uh warm loving envelop them in his uh warm loving embrace. Uh that that we don't embrace. Uh that that we don't embrace. Uh that that we don't understand why sometimes um but that we understand why sometimes um but that we understand why sometimes um but that we know that God has a plan and a purpose know that God has a plan and a purpose know that God has a plan and a purpose uh and is far greater than we can ever uh and is far greater than we can ever uh and is far greater than we can ever ask or we can ever imagine. Uh and so we ask or we can ever imagine. Uh and so we ask or we can ever imagine. Uh and so we just want to pray for them uh here in just want to pray for them uh here in just want to pray for them uh here in just a moment. Uh today uh Cross is just a moment. Uh today uh Cross is just a moment. Uh today uh Cross is bringing the word and uh I'm excited for bringing the word and uh I'm excited for bringing the word and uh I'm excited for it. I'm always excited to hear from him it. I'm always excited to hear from him it. I'm always excited to hear from him uh and to hear what the Lord has laid on uh and to hear what the Lord has laid on uh and to hear what the Lord has laid on his heart. So pray that uh the Lord his heart. So pray that uh the Lord his heart. So pray that uh the Lord would hide him behind the cross. Uh so would hide him behind the cross. Uh so would hide him behind the cross. Uh so uh before we continue [music] uh before we continue [music] uh before we continue [music] uh in song uh let's pray.

uh in song uh let's pray. uh in song uh let's pray. Father God, we just come before you uh Father God, we just come before you uh Father God, we just come before you uh thankful for today. God, thankful for thankful for today. God, thankful for thankful for today. God, thankful for the youth on the stage that we get to the youth on the stage that we get to the youth on the stage that we get to worship uh with young talent uh leading worship uh with young talent uh leading worship uh with young talent uh leading the church. Lord, we we often call them the church. Lord, we we often call them the church. Lord, we we often call them the next generation, but we know that the next generation, but we know that the next generation, but we know that they are the now generation. They are they are the now generation. They are they are the now generation. They are part of the church right now, Lord. And part of the church right now, Lord. And part of the church right now, Lord. And we're so thankful that you've blessed we're so thankful that you've blessed we're so thankful that you've blessed them with gifts [music] and that they them with gifts [music] and that they them with gifts [music] and that they give back uh to the church and and to give back uh to the church and and to give back uh to the church and and to you, Lord. Uh blessing us with their you, Lord. Uh blessing us with their you, Lord. Uh blessing us with their abilities and their gifts, Lord. Um God, abilities and their gifts, Lord. Um God, abilities and their gifts, Lord. Um God, we just uh are thankful today that you we just uh are thankful today that you we just uh are thankful today that you woke us up, that you putting breath in woke us up, that you putting breath in woke us up, that you putting breath in our lungs, that you have a plan and our lungs, that you have a plan and our lungs, that you have a plan and purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just pray for cross that you would hide him pray for cross that you would hide him pray for cross that you would hide him behind the cross, Lord. That nothing behind the cross, Lord. That nothing behind the cross, Lord. That nothing exits out of his mouth that is not of exits out of his mouth that is not of exits out of his mouth that is not of you and from you, Lord. God, I pray um you and from you, Lord. God, I pray um you and from you, Lord. God, I pray um through him today that you would use him through him today that you would use him through him today that you would use him that we would each obtain a nugget of that we would each obtain a nugget of that we would each obtain a nugget of truth to apply to our lives to leave truth to apply to our lives to leave truth to apply to our lives to leave here changed to be [music] a change for here changed to be [music] a change for here changed to be [music] a change for your kingdom, Lord. God, right now, we your kingdom, Lord. God, right now, we your kingdom, Lord. God, right now, we just lay before you the Howard family, just lay before you the Howard family, just lay before you the Howard family, Lord. God, we don't know why. uh we Lord. God, we don't know why. uh we Lord. God, we don't know why. uh we don't know the plans or the purpose for don't know the plans or the purpose for don't know the plans or the purpose for it, Lord. But God, I just pray that you it, Lord. But God, I just pray that you it, Lord. But God, I just pray that you would be with his family, be with his would be with his family, be with his would be with his family, be with his brother right now, Lord, that you would brother right now, Lord, that you would brother right now, Lord, that you would just put people around him, to love on just put people around him, to love on just put people around him, to love on him, uh to to to point him to you and him, uh to to to point him to you and him, uh to to to point him to you and point uh him to your cross, Lord, and point uh him to your cross, Lord, and point uh him to your cross, Lord, and just uh continue to just come around in just uh continue to just come around in just uh continue to just come around in these next few days to love on him and these next few days to love on him and these next few days to love on him and and to encourage him to pray over him, and to encourage him to pray over him, and to encourage him to pray over him, Lord. Yeah. We pray that for the the Lord. Yeah. We pray that for the the Lord. Yeah. We pray that for the the March tree police department as well, March tree police department as well, March tree police department as well, Lord, that if there is anyone that does Lord, that if there is anyone that does Lord, that if there is anyone that does not know you, that knew him, Lord, uh not know you, that knew him, Lord, uh not know you, that knew him, Lord, uh and knew his heart for the Lord, Lord, I and knew his heart for the Lord, Lord, I and knew his heart for the Lord, Lord, I pray that you would save them, Lord.

pray that you would save them, Lord. pray that you would save them, Lord. God, I pray that through this that you God, I pray that through this that you God, I pray that through this that you you would just save someone, Lord, and you would just save someone, Lord, and you would just save someone, Lord, and that you would just be with that family that you would just be with that family that you would just be with that family and be with uh that department, be with and be with uh that department, be with and be with uh that department, be with all those that are involved, the first all those that are involved, the first all those that are involved, the first responders, be with the driver as well, responders, be with the driver as well, responders, be with the driver as well, Lord. God, I I pray um that you would Lord. God, I I pray um that you would Lord. God, I I pray um that you would just save someone through all this, just save someone through all this, just save someone through all this, Lord. God, we give you today. We give it Lord. God, we give you today. We give it Lord. God, we give you today. We give it all to you in your in your name, Lord. all to you in your in your name, Lord. all to you in your in your name, Lord. We pray all these things. Your son's We pray all these things. Your son's We pray all these things. Your son's precious, holy name. Amen. Amen. Alone in [music] my sorrow and dead Alone in [music] my sorrow and dead [singing] in my sin. [singing] in my sin. [singing] in my sin. Lost without hope and no place [music] Lost without hope and no place [music] Lost without hope and no place [music] to begin. to begin. to begin. Your love made a way to let mercy Your love made a way to let mercy Your love made a way to let mercy [music] come in. [music] come in. [music] come in. When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life began [music] and ash was redeemed only beauty and ash was redeemed only beauty remains.

remains. remains. My orphan heart was given a name. My orphan heart was given a name. My orphan heart was given a name. And my mourning [music] grew quiet. My And my mourning [music] grew quiet. My And my mourning [music] grew quiet. My feet rose to dance. feet rose to dance. feet rose to dance. When death was arrested, my [music] life When death was arrested, my [music] life When death was arrested, my [music] life began. began. began. Come on, church. Let's sing this Come on, church. Let's sing this Come on, church. Let's sing this together. Oh, your grace [music] so free together. Oh, your grace [music] so free together. Oh, your grace [music] so free washes over washes over washes over me. me. me. You [music] have made me [singing] new. You [music] have made me [singing] new. You [music] have made me [singing] new. Now life begins with you. [music] It's your endless It's your endless love love love pouring down [music and singing] pouring down [music and singing] pouring down [music and singing] on us. on us. on us. You have made us new. Now You have made us new. Now You have made us new. Now [music and singing] life begins with [music and singing] life begins with [music and singing] life begins with you. Release through my chains. Release through my chains. [music and singing] I'm a prisoner no [music and singing] I'm a prisoner no [music and singing] I'm a prisoner no more.

more. more. My shame was [music] ransome. He cancelled [music] my dead and he He cancelled [music] my dead and he called me his friend. called me his friend. called me his friend. When death [music] was arrested, my When death [music] was arrested, my When death [music] was arrested, my [singing] life began. [singing] life began. [singing] life began. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh, your grace. [music] washes over [music and singing] washes over [music and singing] me. me. me. You have made me do that. Now You have made me do that. Now You have made me do that. Now [music and singing] life begins with [music and singing] life begins with [music and singing] life begins with you. It's your [music] endless It's your [music] endless [singing] love [singing] love [singing] love pouring down on us. pouring down on us. pouring down on us. You have [music and singing] made us You have [music and singing] made us You have [music and singing] made us new. Our life begins with you. new. Our life begins with you. new. Our life begins with you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, and darkness rejoiced as though heaven and darkness rejoiced as though heaven [music] [music] [music] had lost.

had lost. had lost. What happened? But then [music] Jesus What happened? But then [music] Jesus What happened? But then [music] Jesus arose with our freedom in hand. arose with our freedom in hand. arose with our freedom in hand. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's when death was arrested and my That's when death was arrested and my That's when death was arrested and my life began. [music] For your grace, For your grace, oh your [music] grace, so [singing] oh your [music] grace, so [singing] oh your [music] grace, so [singing] green green green washes [music] over washes [music] over washes [music] over me. me. me. You have [music] made me new. Now life You have [music] made me new. Now life You have [music] made me new. Now life begins with you. begins with you. begins with you. Oh, it's your [music] inless Oh, it's your [music] inless Oh, it's your [music] inless love love love pouring down on [music and singing] pouring down on [music and singing] pouring down on [music and singing] us. us. us. You have made us new to our life [music] You have made us new to our life [music] You have made us new to our life [music] begin with you. Oh, we're [music] free. Free forever. Oh, we're [music] free. Free forever. We're free. Come join the song [music] We're free. Come join the song [music] We're free. Come join the song [music] of all the redeemed. Yes, we're free.

of all the redeemed. Yes, we're free. of all the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever. Amen. When death [music] Free forever. Amen. When death [music] Free forever. Amen. When death [music] was arrested in my life. Oh, we're free. was arrested in my life. Oh, we're free. was arrested in my life. Oh, we're free. Free forever. We're free. [music] Come Free forever. We're free. [music] Come Free forever. We're free. [music] Come join the [singing] song of all the join the [singing] song of all the join the [singing] song of all the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever. redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever. redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] When death was arrested, my life began. When death was arrested, my life began. When death was arrested, my life began. When death was [singing] arrested, my When death was [singing] arrested, my When death was [singing] arrested, my life began. [music] life began. [music] life began. [music] That's when death was arrested and my That's when death was arrested and my That's when death was arrested and my life be. life be. life be. [music] [music] [music] And aren't we so thankful that that's And aren't we so thankful that that's And aren't we so thankful that that's the kind of God we serve this morning? the kind of God we serve this morning? the kind of God we serve this morning? Amen. When all hope was lost, he came Amen. When all hope was lost, he came Amen. When all hope was lost, he came [music] [music] [music] and he gave us hope. So, let's continue and he gave us hope. So, let's continue and he gave us hope. So, let's continue to sing to him. Let's continue to sing to sing to him. Let's continue to sing to sing to him. Let's continue to sing the name of Jesus this morning. Every the name of Jesus this morning. Every the name of Jesus this morning. Every voice.

voice. voice. Oh, I just want to speak the name of Oh, I just want to speak the name of Oh, I just want to speak the name of Jesus [music] over every heart and [singing] every over every heart and [singing] every mind. Cuz I [music] know there is peace within Cuz I [music] know there is peace within your presence. your presence. your presence. I [music] speak Jesus. Come on every voice we sing. Come on every voice we sing. And I just [music] want to speak the And I just [music] want to speak the And I just [music] want to speak the name of Jesus. Till every [music] dark addiction starts Till every [music] dark addiction starts to break. Declaring [music] there is [singing] Declaring [music] there is [singing] hope and there is freedom. hope and there is freedom. hope and there is freedom. I speak [music] Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> Your name is power. >> Your name is power. >> Your name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is life.

Your name is life. Your name is life. [music] [music] [music] Break every struggle. Break every struggle. Break every struggle. Shine through [music] the shadows. Shine through [music] the shadows. Shine through [music] the shadows. Burn light. Oh, I [music] just want to speak the Oh, I [music] just want to speak the name [singing] of Jesus over fear and all [music and singing] over fear and all [music and singing] anxiety to every [singing] soul held captive by to every [singing] soul held captive by depression. [music] depression. [music] depression. [music] I speak Jesus [singing] cuz your [music] name is power. cuz your [music] name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] is love. [music] Break every stronghold. [music] Break every stronghold. [singing] [singing] [singing] Shine through the shadows. [music] Shine through the shadows. [music] Shine through the shadows. [music] But like a fire.

Shout Jesus from the mountains and Jesus Shout Jesus from the mountains and Jesus in the streets. [music] in the streets. [music] in the streets. [music] Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. [music] [music] [music] And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name. holy name. holy name. Jesus. [music] Oh sh Jesus [music] from the mountains Oh sh Jesus [music] from the mountains [singing] [singing] [singing] and Jesus in the streets. [music] and Jesus in the streets. [music] and Jesus in the streets. [music] Jesus in the darkest soul for every Jesus in the darkest soul for every Jesus in the darkest soul for every enemy. [music] enemy. [music] enemy. [music] And Jesus for my [singing] family. I And Jesus for my [singing] family. I And Jesus for my [singing] family. I speak a holy name. speak a holy name. speak a holy name. Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] Jesus, [music] [singing] [music] your name is power. [music] your name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is love. [music and singing] Your name is love. [music and singing] Blessed is love. Blessed is love. Break every [music] Break every [music] Break every [music] stronghold. [singing] stronghold. [singing] stronghold. [singing] Shine through the shadows.

Shine through the shadows. Shine through the shadows. Burn like a fire. [music] Your name [music and singing] is power. Your name [music and singing] is power. Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is life. [singing] Break every [singing] stronghold. Break every [singing] stronghold. Shine [music] through the shadows. >> What a [music] beautiful name it is. >> What a [music] beautiful name it is. What a [singing] beautiful name it is. What a [singing] beautiful name it is. What a [singing] beautiful name it is. The [music] name of [singing] Jesus The [music] name of [singing] Jesus The [music] name of [singing] Jesus Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. What a beautiful [music] name it is. What a beautiful [music] name it is. What a beautiful [music] name it is. Nothing [singing] compares to this. Nothing [singing] compares to this. Nothing [singing] compares to this. What a beautiful name it is. The name What a beautiful name it is. The name What a beautiful name it is. The name [music and singing] of Jesus.

We couldn't [music and singing] have We couldn't [music and singing] have heaven without you. heaven without you. heaven without you. So Jesus, you brought heaven So Jesus, you brought heaven So Jesus, you brought heaven now. My sin was great. Your love was greater. My sin was great. Your love was greater. [singing] What could separate [music] us now? What [music] a wonderful name it us now? What [music] a wonderful name it is. is. is. What a wonderful name it [singing] is. What a wonderful name it [singing] is. What a wonderful name it [singing] is. The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. What a [music] wonderful name it is. What a [music] wonderful name it is. What a [music] wonderful name it is. Nothing [singing] compares to this. Nothing [singing] compares to this. Nothing [singing] compares to this. What a wonderful name it [music] is, the What a wonderful name it [music] is, the What a wonderful name it [music] is, the name of Jesus. name of Jesus. name of Jesus. What a wonderful [music and singing] What a wonderful [music and singing] What a wonderful [music and singing] name it is, the name of [music] Jesus. name it is, the name of [music] Jesus. name it is, the name of [music] Jesus. [singing] [music] [music] What a wonderful name >> Come on, church in faith. We [music] >> Come on, church in faith. We [music] sing this together. Death could not sing this together. Death could not sing this together. Death could not >> Death [singing] could not hold you.

>> Death [singing] could not hold you. >> Death [singing] could not hold you. [music] The veil tore before you. You [music] The veil tore before you. You [music] The veil tore before you. You silence [singing] the bo of sin and silence [singing] the bo of sin and silence [singing] the bo of sin and grave. grave. grave. The heavens [music] are roaring. The heavens [music] are roaring. The heavens [music] are roaring. The praise of your [singing] glory The praise of your [singing] glory The praise of your [singing] glory for you are raised [music] for you are raised [music] for you are raised [music] to life [singing] to life [singing] to life [singing] again. again. again. And you have no rival. [singing] And you have no rival. [singing] And you have no rival. [singing] And you have [music] no equal And you have [music] no equal And you have [music] no equal now and [singing] now and [singing] now and [singing] forever. forever. forever. [music] God, you reign. [music] God, you reign. [music] God, you reign. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the glory. And yours is the glory. And yours is the glory. [music] [music] [music] Yours is the name Yours is the name Yours is the name of. What a powerful [music] name is. What a powerful [music] name is. What a powerful [singing] name it is.

What a powerful [singing] name it is. What a powerful [singing] name it is. The name of [music] Jesus The name of [music] Jesus The name of [music] Jesus [singing] Christ my king. [singing] Christ my king. [singing] Christ my king. What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name it is. it is. it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful name [music] What a powerful name [music] What a powerful name [music] it is. The name of [singing] Jesus. it is. The name of [singing] Jesus. it is. The name of [singing] Jesus. You have [music] the right. You have [music] the right. You have [music] the right. You have no evil You have no evil You have no evil now and forever. [music] now and forever. [music] now and forever. [music] [singing] You is the king. is the king. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours [music] is the glory. Yours is the name Yours is the name Yours is the name of [singing] of [singing] of [singing] [music] [music] [music] what a powerful name. what a powerful name. what a powerful name. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name of [music and singing] Jesus The name of [music and singing] Jesus The name of [music and singing] Jesus Christ might.

Christ might. Christ might. [music] What a powerful [singing] name [music] What a powerful [singing] name [music] What a powerful [singing] name it is. it is. it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a [music and singing] powerful name What a [music and singing] powerful name What a [music and singing] powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. it is. The name of Jesus. it is. The name of Jesus. What a powerful name [music] it is. The What a powerful name [music] it is. The What a powerful name [music] it is. The name [singing] name [singing] name [singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] And Lord, we thank you this morning for And Lord, we thank you this morning for And Lord, we thank you this morning for the wonderful, powerful name of Jesus. the wonderful, powerful name of Jesus. the wonderful, powerful name of Jesus. Lord, we just thank you that we can come Lord, we just thank you that we can come Lord, we just thank you that we can come into this place, that we can sing to you into this place, that we can sing to you into this place, that we can sing to you freely, that we can worship you freely. And Lord, in your words, if if you had And Lord, in your words, if if you had not risen again, all of this would be not risen again, all of this would be not risen again, all of this would be for not. for not. for not. It would all be just wasted air coming It would all be just wasted air coming It would all be just wasted air coming out of our lungs. It would all just be out of our lungs. It would all just be out of our lungs. It would all just be wasted time that we spent studying an wasted time that we spent studying an wasted time that we spent studying an ancient book. But God, you did rise ancient book. But God, you did rise ancient book. But God, you did rise again [music] on the third day.

again [music] on the third day. again [music] on the third day. And it was because of your immense love And it was because of your immense love And it was because of your immense love for us, because your immense desire to for us, because your immense desire to for us, because your immense desire to have a have communion with us and to have a have communion with us and to have a have communion with us and to live with us and to walk with us. live with us and to walk with us. live with us and to walk with us. And God, we're so thankful that in in And God, we're so thankful that in in And God, we're so thankful that in in dark times and in in confusing times, dark times and in in confusing times, dark times and in in confusing times, when when things happen that we question when when things happen that we question when when things happen that we question why why why when all hope seems lost, God, you were when all hope seems lost, God, you were when all hope seems lost, God, you were right there. right there. right there. You are the giver of hope. You are the You are the giver of hope. You are the You are the giver of hope. You are the giver of life. giver of life. giver of life. And we may not know the answers to the And we may not know the answers to the And we may not know the answers to the questions, but God, you know the questions, but God, you know the questions, but God, you know the answers, and that is sufficient. answers, and that is sufficient. answers, and that is sufficient. And so God, thank you for the hope that And so God, thank you for the hope that And so God, thank you for the hope that we have. Thank you for the freedom that we have. Thank you for the freedom that we have. Thank you for the freedom that we have. Thank you for God just just the we have. Thank you for God just just the we have. Thank you for God just just the freedom from bondage that we have freedom from bondage that we have freedom from bondage that we have because of you. because of you. because of you. So Lord, we give you this time of So Lord, we give you this time of So Lord, we give you this time of worship. We give you worship. We give you worship. We give you we just give you everything that [music] we just give you everything that [music] we just give you everything that [music] we have. And Lord, we just pray that you we have. And Lord, we just pray that you we have. And Lord, we just pray that you would just meet us where we're at this would just meet us where we're at this would just meet us where we're at this morning. morning. morning. All walks of life, all different points All walks of life, all different points All walks of life, all different points of the faith journey. God, I pray that of the faith journey. God, I pray that of the faith journey. God, I pray that you would just speak to us in a fresh you would just speak to us in a fresh you would just speak to us in a fresh way. We love you. We praise you. We pray way. We love you. We praise you. We pray way. We love you. We praise you. We pray all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Amen. Well, hey, good morning, church Amen. Well, hey, good morning, church family. Yeah, you guys can go ahead and family. Yeah, you guys can go ahead and family. Yeah, you guys can go ahead and grab a seat. Uh, hey, welcome in. This grab a seat. Uh, hey, welcome in. This grab a seat. Uh, hey, welcome in. This is always a pleasure to get to be with is always a pleasure to get to be with is always a pleasure to get to be with you guys on Sunday morning. Just like you guys on Sunday morning. Just like you guys on Sunday morning. Just like Pastor Jacob said earlier, if you're a Pastor Jacob said earlier, if you're a Pastor Jacob said earlier, if you're a first-time guest, I want to welcome you first-time guest, I want to welcome you first-time guest, I want to welcome you in. Uh, thank you for choosing to in. Uh, thank you for choosing to in. Uh, thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning. If you're worship with us this morning. If you're worship with us this morning. If you're watching on television or on live watching on television or on live watching on television or on live stream, again, welcome. This is such a stream, again, welcome. This is such a stream, again, welcome. This is such a cool opportunity and just a blessing to cool opportunity and just a blessing to cool opportunity and just a blessing to get to worship uh together with you all get to worship uh together with you all get to worship uh together with you all this morning. But my name is Crossbrite. this morning. But my name is Crossbrite. this morning. But my name is Crossbrite. I get the privilege of serving as I get the privilege of serving as I get the privilege of serving as college pastor here at Central. And I college pastor here at Central. And I college pastor here at Central. And I actually just finished up my rookie actually just finished up my rookie actually just finished up my rookie season here on staff at Central in May. season here on staff at Central in May. season here on staff at Central in May. And as I have had uh a couple of days to And as I have had uh a couple of days to And as I have had uh a couple of days to reflect over the last couple weeks over reflect over the last couple weeks over reflect over the last couple weeks over what all the Lord has done um throughout what all the Lord has done um throughout what all the Lord has done um throughout my life, throughout the ministry of 747 my life, throughout the ministry of 747 my life, throughout the ministry of 747 and even the church at large over the and even the church at large over the and even the church at large over the last year, I have just been blown away last year, I have just been blown away last year, I have just been blown away and and taken so back and just how good and and taken so back and just how good and and taken so back and just how good and faithful the Lord has been to us uh and faithful the Lord has been to us uh and faithful the Lord has been to us uh just throughout this church. church. I just throughout this church. church. I just throughout this church. church. I mean, you'd be hardressed to find uh mean, you'd be hardressed to find uh mean, you'd be hardressed to find uh another body of believers, another body another body of believers, another body another body of believers, another body of Christ that has just from preschool of Christ that has just from preschool of Christ that has just from preschool ministries all the way up to senior ministries all the way up to senior ministries all the way up to senior adults that are faithfully serving, that adults that are faithfully serving, that adults that are faithfully serving, that are faithfully teaching God's word and are faithfully teaching God's word and are faithfully teaching God's word and seeing students and people grow to be seeing students and people grow to be seeing students and people grow to be more like Christ. I mean, we have a more like Christ. I mean, we have a more like Christ. I mean, we have a group of senior adults that are prayer group of senior adults that are prayer group of senior adults that are prayer walking in Columbia, Missouri right now.

walking in Columbia, Missouri right now. walking in Columbia, Missouri right now. We just got done with VBS and so We just got done with VBS and so We just got done with VBS and so everything in between is so cool. We everything in between is so cool. We everything in between is so cool. We have students that are going to Canada have students that are going to Canada have students that are going to Canada next week or I guess at the end of this next week or I guess at the end of this next week or I guess at the end of this week. And so the Lord has been so week. And so the Lord has been so week. And so the Lord has been so faithful to us and it has been such a faithful to us and it has been such a faithful to us and it has been such a blessing and a privilege to get to be a blessing and a privilege to get to be a blessing and a privilege to get to be a part of that. I want to invite you to go part of that. I want to invite you to go part of that. I want to invite you to go ahead and turn in your Bibles with me to ahead and turn in your Bibles with me to ahead and turn in your Bibles with me to the book of Philippians chapter 1. We're the book of Philippians chapter 1. We're the book of Philippians chapter 1. We're going to be continuing in this series of going to be continuing in this series of going to be continuing in this series of everyday joy. We started that a couple everyday joy. We started that a couple everyday joy. We started that a couple weeks ago and we're going to be picking weeks ago and we're going to be picking weeks ago and we're going to be picking up in verse 21. And I know Pastor Archie up in verse 21. And I know Pastor Archie up in verse 21. And I know Pastor Archie kind of touched on it last week on kind of touched on it last week on kind of touched on it last week on Father's Day, but it is such an Father's Day, but it is such an Father's Day, but it is such an important verse. It's so impactful that important verse. It's so impactful that important verse. It's so impactful that we're going to pick back up there. We're we're going to pick back up there. We're we're going to pick back up there. We're going to look at it some more and we're going to look at it some more and we're going to look at it some more and we're then we're going to continue on. But as then we're going to continue on. But as then we're going to continue on. But as you turn there, I want to uh tell you you turn there, I want to uh tell you you turn there, I want to uh tell you about a guy whose name is Aaron Rston. about a guy whose name is Aaron Rston. about a guy whose name is Aaron Rston. So if you know who Aaron Rston is or So if you know who Aaron Rston is or So if you know who Aaron Rston is or maybe you've heard of him before, but he maybe you've heard of him before, but he maybe you've heard of him before, but he is um someone that got pretty pretty is um someone that got pretty pretty is um someone that got pretty pretty famous in the early mid 2000s and famous in the early mid 2000s and famous in the early mid 2000s and there's actually a movie made about him there's actually a movie made about him there's actually a movie made about him in 2010 called 127 Hours. And so Aaron in 2010 called 127 Hours. And so Aaron in 2010 called 127 Hours. And so Aaron Rston is a guy who loves to hike. He Rston is a guy who loves to hike. He Rston is a guy who loves to hike. He would claim that he is a mountaineer. He would claim that he is a mountaineer. He would claim that he is a mountaineer. He loves to go rock climbing and bouldering loves to go rock climbing and bouldering loves to go rock climbing and bouldering and all these things. Well, something and all these things. Well, something and all these things. Well, something about Aaron is that he would oftentimes about Aaron is that he would oftentimes about Aaron is that he would oftentimes when he was getting ready to go on these when he was getting ready to go on these when he was getting ready to go on these excursions, he wouldn't tell his family excursions, he wouldn't tell his family excursions, he wouldn't tell his family where he was going. He wouldn't say how where he was going. He wouldn't say how where he was going. He wouldn't say how long he was going. And he would just long he was going. And he would just long he was going. And he would just kind of get up one morning and he would kind of get up one morning and he would kind of get up one morning and he would go and and do his excursions. Well, in go and and do his excursions. Well, in go and and do his excursions. Well, in 2003, Aaron ventured to Utah into the 2003, Aaron ventured to Utah into the 2003, Aaron ventured to Utah into the beautiful mountains of Utah and he was beautiful mountains of Utah and he was beautiful mountains of Utah and he was bouldering and everything was going bouldering and everything was going bouldering and everything was going according to plan. Everything was pretty according to plan. Everything was pretty according to plan. Everything was pretty normal. But about four or five days into

normal. But about four or five days into normal. But about four or five days into his climbing experience into his his climbing experience into his his climbing experience into his bouldering experience, a boulder that he bouldering experience, a boulder that he bouldering experience, a boulder that he was just kind of grappling with shook was just kind of grappling with shook was just kind of grappling with shook loose a little bit and pinned his arm loose a little bit and pinned his arm loose a little bit and pinned his arm between the boulder and the side of the between the boulder and the side of the between the boulder and the side of the mountain. So he was literally in between mountain. So he was literally in between mountain. So he was literally in between a rock and a hard place. And so in this a rock and a hard place. And so in this a rock and a hard place. And so in this moment of panic, Aaron is is sitting moment of panic, Aaron is is sitting moment of panic, Aaron is is sitting there and he's thinking. He's like, I there and he's thinking. He's like, I there and he's thinking. He's like, I don't know what I'm going to do. So he don't know what I'm going to do. So he don't know what I'm going to do. So he has a camcorder and so he's beginning to has a camcorder and so he's beginning to has a camcorder and so he's beginning to record himself kind of saying farewell record himself kind of saying farewell record himself kind of saying farewell and goodbye to his family because he and goodbye to his family because he and goodbye to his family because he assumes that he is about to be or that assumes that he is about to be or that assumes that he is about to be or that he is at the end of his life. And so as he is at the end of his life. And so as he is at the end of his life. And so as he goes on he he talks about in the he goes on he he talks about in the he goes on he he talks about in the movie and in like in his autobiography movie and in like in his autobiography movie and in like in his autobiography that he is rationing out the food that that he is rationing out the food that that he is rationing out the food that he has remaining, the water that he has he has remaining, the water that he has he has remaining, the water that he has remaining as a way to maybe try and remaining as a way to maybe try and remaining as a way to maybe try and preserve himself. And he's kind of preserve himself. And he's kind of preserve himself. And he's kind of towards the end of the fifth or sixth towards the end of the fifth or sixth towards the end of the fifth or sixth day as being being pinned to this day as being being pinned to this day as being being pinned to this boulder. He gets to the point where he's boulder. He gets to the point where he's boulder. He gets to the point where he's like, you know, I think this is it for like, you know, I think this is it for like, you know, I think this is it for me. Well, then he begins to talk about me. Well, then he begins to talk about me. Well, then he begins to talk about how he has these hallucinations or these how he has these hallucinations or these how he has these hallucinations or these visions. I mean, you can imagine being visions. I mean, you can imagine being visions. I mean, you can imagine being in the the the mountains of Utah, no one in the the the mountains of Utah, no one in the the the mountains of Utah, no one else there. There is nobody within else there. There is nobody within else there. There is nobody within miles. Well, he finally gets to this miles. Well, he finally gets to this miles. Well, he finally gets to this point where he's like, you know what?

point where he's like, you know what? point where he's like, you know what? There is so much more to live for than There is so much more to live for than There is so much more to live for than just for me to to give up pinned between just for me to to give up pinned between just for me to to give up pinned between this rock and this mountain. And so to this rock and this mountain. And so to this rock and this mountain. And so to to spare the the details, I'll just say to spare the the details, I'll just say to spare the the details, I'll just say that he had a a dull knife of some sort. that he had a a dull knife of some sort. that he had a a dull knife of some sort. And he removed the the non-pinned part And he removed the the non-pinned part And he removed the the non-pinned part of his forearm from the pinned part of of his forearm from the pinned part of of his forearm from the pinned part of his forearm. And then he hiked eight his forearm. And then he hiked eight his forearm. And then he hiked eight miles till he found a family that was miles till he found a family that was miles till he found a family that was also kind of in the same area. And they also kind of in the same area. And they also kind of in the same area. And they called a helicopter. They called an called a helicopter. They called an called a helicopter. They called an ambulance and they held him out. And he ambulance and they held him out. And he ambulance and they held him out. And he lived and he's still alive to this day. lived and he's still alive to this day. lived and he's still alive to this day. He does tours, he does book signings, He does tours, he does book signings, He does tours, he does book signings, all sorts of stuff. But I say that not all sorts of stuff. But I say that not all sorts of stuff. But I say that not to give us this weird analogy or this to give us this weird analogy or this to give us this weird analogy or this image of someone that goes hiking or image of someone that goes hiking or image of someone that goes hiking or give you the dangers of hiking. I don't give you the dangers of hiking. I don't give you the dangers of hiking. I don't think that's going to scare Jonathan think that's going to scare Jonathan think that's going to scare Jonathan Freeman away because he would get away Freeman away because he would get away Freeman away because he would get away as far uh and as often as possible. But as far uh and as often as possible. But as far uh and as often as possible. But I say that because in reality, humans, I say that because in reality, humans, I say that because in reality, humans, we you and I will do remarkable things we you and I will do remarkable things we you and I will do remarkable things when it comes to surviving and when it when it comes to surviving and when it when it comes to surviving and when it comes to living, but only if we have comes to living, but only if we have comes to living, but only if we have something worth living for. And so my something worth living for. And so my something worth living for. And so my question for you this morning is, what question for you this morning is, what question for you this morning is, what are you living for? Are you living for are you living for? Are you living for are you living for? Are you living for something that you can physically something that you can physically something that you can physically attain? Whether it's it's monetary attain? Whether it's it's monetary attain? Whether it's it's monetary possessions or it's social class or possessions or it's social class or possessions or it's social class or social clout or if it's relationships or social clout or if it's relationships or social clout or if it's relationships or equity or whatever the case may be. What equity or whatever the case may be. What equity or whatever the case may be. What are you living for? And then on the are you living for? And then on the are you living for? And then on the contrast of that, what do you die? Like contrast of that, what do you die? Like contrast of that, what do you die? Like what would you what's worth dying for?

what would you what's worth dying for? what would you what's worth dying for? What would you die for in your life? I What would you die for in your life? I What would you die for in your life? I know for me it would be easy for me to know for me it would be easy for me to know for me it would be easy for me to say that I would die for my family. I say that I would die for my family. I say that I would die for my family. I would die for my wife and my child. But would die for my wife and my child. But would die for my wife and my child. But then the question for you guys is what then the question for you guys is what then the question for you guys is what would you die for? And as we look in would you die for? And as we look in would you die for? And as we look in this passage today, we're going to see this passage today, we're going to see this passage today, we're going to see that Paul, he he addresses these points. that Paul, he he addresses these points. that Paul, he he addresses these points. He addresses this idea of what is worth He addresses this idea of what is worth He addresses this idea of what is worth living for, what is worth dying for, and living for, what is worth dying for, and living for, what is worth dying for, and then also how we should be living this then also how we should be living this then also how we should be living this out as believers today. And so the title out as believers today. And so the title out as believers today. And so the title of our message today, if you're a of our message today, if you're a of our message today, if you're a notetaker, would encourage you to do notetaker, would encourage you to do notetaker, would encourage you to do that. Um is committed to the cause. that. Um is committed to the cause. that. Um is committed to the cause. We're going to answer the question first We're going to answer the question first We're going to answer the question first off, what is the cause that we're going off, what is the cause that we're going off, what is the cause that we're going to be committed to? And then also, how to be committed to? And then also, how to be committed to? And then also, how do we stay committed to this cause for do we stay committed to this cause for do we stay committed to this cause for Christ in our lives? So our two points Christ in our lives? So our two points Christ in our lives? So our two points are committed to labor, committed to are committed to labor, committed to are committed to labor, committed to suffer. So I know that in a book that is suffer. So I know that in a book that is suffer. So I know that in a book that is heavily predicated on this idea of joy, heavily predicated on this idea of joy, heavily predicated on this idea of joy, Paul writes about it and it is very Paul writes about it and it is very Paul writes about it and it is very prevalent throughout the book of prevalent throughout the book of prevalent throughout the book of Philippians, the idea of laboring and Philippians, the idea of laboring and Philippians, the idea of laboring and suffering does not necessarily uh elicit suffering does not necessarily uh elicit suffering does not necessarily uh elicit this response of joy. But I promise you this response of joy. But I promise you this response of joy. But I promise you as we begin to look into this, um my as we begin to look into this, um my as we begin to look into this, um my prayer is that you will see the true prayer is that you will see the true prayer is that you will see the true lasting impact of joy through laboring lasting impact of joy through laboring lasting impact of joy through laboring and suffering for Christ. So, um, if you and suffering for Christ. So, um, if you and suffering for Christ. So, um, if you would, if you're willing and able, if would, if you're willing and able, if would, if you're willing and able, if you'd stand for the public reading of you'd stand for the public reading of you'd stand for the public reading of God's word with me, we're going to pick God's word with me, we're going to pick God's word with me, we're going to pick up in verse 21.

up in verse 21. up in verse 21. And it says, "For to me, to live as And it says, "For to me, to live as And it says, "For to me, to live as Christ and to die is gain. But if I am Christ and to die is gain. But if I am Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in in the flesh, this will to live on in in the flesh, this will to live on in in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose, but I'm know which to choose, but I'm know which to choose, but I'm hardpressed from both directions, having hardpressed from both directions, having hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, the desire to depart and be with Christ, the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to for that is very much better. Yet to for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary remain on in the flesh is more necessary remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." Convinced of this, I for your sake." Convinced of this, I for your sake." Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue know that I will remain and continue know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy with you all for your progress and joy with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud in the faith, so that your proud in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ confidence in me may abound in Christ confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Jesus through my coming to you again. Jesus through my coming to you again. only conduct yourselves in a manner only conduct yourselves in a manner only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or remain whether I come and see you or remain whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are absent, I will hear of you that you are absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, and no way alarmed by your the gospel, and no way alarmed by your the gospel, and no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of opponents, which is a sign of opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me and now here to be in me.

saw in me and now here to be in me. saw in me and now here to be in me. Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the next 25, 30 minutes that you would be next 25, 30 minutes that you would be next 25, 30 minutes that you would be exalted in this moment. That you would exalted in this moment. That you would exalted in this moment. That you would show us and reveal to us how we can grow show us and reveal to us how we can grow show us and reveal to us how we can grow to be more like you. But God, ultimately to be more like you. But God, ultimately to be more like you. But God, ultimately that we would see that through your word that we would see that through your word that we would see that through your word and through the death, burial, and and through the death, burial, and and through the death, burial, and resurrection of your son Jesus, we can resurrection of your son Jesus, we can resurrection of your son Jesus, we can have everyday joy, through the have everyday joy, through the have everyday joy, through the sufferings, through the trials, through sufferings, through the trials, through sufferings, through the trials, through the labor that we have, God, I pray that the labor that we have, God, I pray that the labor that we have, God, I pray that that would be true of this church, of that would be true of this church, of that would be true of this church, of these believers in the room with us these believers in the room with us these believers in the room with us today. But God, if there's someone in today. But God, if there's someone in today. But God, if there's someone in here that does not have that here that does not have that here that does not have that relationship with you, Lord, I pray that relationship with you, Lord, I pray that relationship with you, Lord, I pray that you would reveal yourself to them, God, you would reveal yourself to them, God, you would reveal yourself to them, God, that they would draw near to you. And that they would draw near to you. And that they would draw near to you. And so, Father, we ask all these things in so, Father, we ask all these things in so, Father, we ask all these things in your precious and holy name. Amen. Thank your precious and holy name. Amen. Thank your precious and holy name. Amen. Thank you guys so much for standing. You may you guys so much for standing. You may you guys so much for standing. You may be seated. Really quick, if you don't be seated. Really quick, if you don't be seated. Really quick, if you don't take anything in for the next 25 to 30 take anything in for the next 25 to 30 take anything in for the next 25 to 30 minutes, I want you to remember this one minutes, I want you to remember this one minutes, I want you to remember this one primary thing, and that is that Paul, primary thing, and that is that Paul, primary thing, and that is that Paul, the the author of the book of the the author of the book of the the author of the book of Philippians, he is writing to the Philippians, he is writing to the Philippians, he is writing to the church. He is encouraging us, he is church. He is encouraging us, he is church. He is encouraging us, he is urging us that above all else, the urging us that above all else, the urging us that above all else, the primary goal of our lives should be to primary goal of our lives should be to primary goal of our lives should be to magnify Christ. Pastor Archie talked magnify Christ. Pastor Archie talked magnify Christ. Pastor Archie talked about this last week, but he is urging about this last week, but he is urging about this last week, but he is urging us to do that. And we do that by us to do that. And we do that by us to do that. And we do that by laboring and by suffering. So we're laboring and by suffering. So we're laboring and by suffering. So we're going to break those things down and going to break those things down and going to break those things down and look specifically at what those things look specifically at what those things look specifically at what those things are. So the first point is committed to are. So the first point is committed to are. So the first point is committed to labor. So committed to labor, if you labor. So committed to labor, if you labor. So committed to labor, if you were will remember Paul's current were will remember Paul's current were will remember Paul's current situation is he is chained in Rome. He situation is he is chained in Rome. He situation is he is chained in Rome. He is under house arrest and he is not is under house arrest and he is not is under house arrest and he is not under this like he's not in like like under this like he's not in like like under this like he's not in like like general population. He is with the the general population. He is with the the general population. He is with the the best of the best guards. He is chained best of the best guards. He is chained best of the best guards. He is chained up. Like there is no getting away from up. Like there is no getting away from up. Like there is no getting away from this. And along the way he's finished

this. And along the way he's finished this. And along the way he's finished two missionary journeys. He has been two missionary journeys. He has been two missionary journeys. He has been through multiple areas and with multiple through multiple areas and with multiple through multiple areas and with multiple churches a lot like all throughout his churches a lot like all throughout his churches a lot like all throughout his journeys. He has been beaten. He has journeys. He has been beaten. He has journeys. He has been beaten. He has been persecuted. He's been mocked. He's been persecuted. He's been mocked. He's been persecuted. He's been mocked. He's been tormented. And so Paul as he writes been tormented. And so Paul as he writes been tormented. And so Paul as he writes in verse 21, he's saying, "Hey, for me in verse 21, he's saying, "Hey, for me in verse 21, he's saying, "Hey, for me to live is Christ, but die is gain." to live is Christ, but die is gain." to live is Christ, but die is gain." This idea of death is is very legitimate This idea of death is is very legitimate This idea of death is is very legitimate to him. He could see and he thinks that to him. He could see and he thinks that to him. He could see and he thinks that death is on the brink for him. Now, we death is on the brink for him. Now, we death is on the brink for him. Now, we know that ultimately Paul would go on know that ultimately Paul would go on know that ultimately Paul would go on and live many more years and do another and live many more years and do another and live many more years and do another missionary journey and get to write to a missionary journey and get to write to a missionary journey and get to write to a number of different churches, but he number of different churches, but he number of different churches, but he thinks that death is is really on the thinks that death is is really on the thinks that death is is really on the brink of his mind. But if we will go brink of his mind. But if we will go brink of his mind. But if we will go back to verse 20 in chapter 1, uh we're back to verse 20 in chapter 1, uh we're back to verse 20 in chapter 1, uh we're going to see that he kind of lays out going to see that he kind of lays out going to see that he kind of lays out the the ultimate goal for his life, the the ultimate goal for his life, the the ultimate goal for his life, whether in death or in life. Follow with whether in death or in life. Follow with whether in death or in life. Follow with me there. It says, "According to my me there. It says, "According to my me there. It says, "According to my earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but with all boldness, Christ will even now with all boldness, Christ will even now with all boldness, Christ will even now as always be exalted in my body, whether as always be exalted in my body, whether as always be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." And then follows by life or by death." And then follows by life or by death." And then follows in to verse 21 that whether it is to in to verse 21 that whether it is to in to verse 21 that whether it is to live or to die, to live as Christ, to live or to die, to live as Christ, to live or to die, to live as Christ, to die is gain. So Paul is is setting us up die is gain. So Paul is is setting us up die is gain. So Paul is is setting us up and he's trying to to urge us, hey, and he's trying to to urge us, hey, and he's trying to to urge us, hey, above all else, magnify Christ through above all else, magnify Christ through above all else, magnify Christ through your life. And he gives us these two your life. And he gives us these two your life. And he gives us these two these two instances right here to live these two instances right here to live these two instances right here to live and to die. To live means that he gets and to die. To live means that he gets and to die. To live means that he gets to continue on in the work for Christ.

to continue on in the work for Christ. to continue on in the work for Christ. That he gets to follow and go along with That he gets to follow and go along with That he gets to follow and go along with these churches and spur them on and that these churches and spur them on and that these churches and spur them on and that he's magnified through the work and the he's magnified through the work and the he's magnified through the work and the fruit that results of the work and of fruit that results of the work and of fruit that results of the work and of the labor. But to die means that he the labor. But to die means that he the labor. But to die means that he receives the ultimate reward of uniting receives the ultimate reward of uniting receives the ultimate reward of uniting back with the father, the creator of the back with the father, the creator of the back with the father, the creator of the universe. We go back to the to the universe. We go back to the to the universe. We go back to the to the picture of Eden. Whenever God created picture of Eden. Whenever God created picture of Eden. Whenever God created Adam and Eve, putting them in the Adam and Eve, putting them in the Adam and Eve, putting them in the garden, his ultimate pleasure was to garden, his ultimate pleasure was to garden, his ultimate pleasure was to dwell with his creation and his creation dwell with his creation and his creation dwell with his creation and his creation to dwell and worship their creator. So to dwell and worship their creator. So to dwell and worship their creator. So if Paul is to die, he gets that again. if Paul is to die, he gets that again. if Paul is to die, he gets that again. He dwells with the father. He is an He dwells with the father. He is an He dwells with the father. He is an ultimate magnification glorification of ultimate magnification glorification of ultimate magnification glorification of God the father in that he is united with God the father in that he is united with God the father in that he is united with him and that the reward has been paid him and that the reward has been paid him and that the reward has been paid but also to live means that there is a but also to live means that there is a but also to live means that there is a ton that he gets to do predominantly ton that he gets to do predominantly ton that he gets to do predominantly through the labor that he sees. Verse through the labor that he sees. Verse through the labor that he sees. Verse 22, going back there, he's he's toiling 22, going back there, he's he's toiling 22, going back there, he's he's toiling with this and he's walking through this with this and he's walking through this with this and he's walking through this this difficult decision. But he says, this difficult decision. But he says, this difficult decision. But he says, "But if I am to live on in the flesh, "But if I am to live on in the flesh, "But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, this will mean fruitful labor for me, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know what to choose, but and I do not know what to choose, but and I do not know what to choose, but I'm hardpressed from both directions, I'm hardpressed from both directions, I'm hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with having the desire to depart and be with having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better."

Christ, for that is very much better." Christ, for that is very much better." Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. As we keep this necessary for your sake. As we keep this necessary for your sake. As we keep this this lens or this framework of Paul this lens or this framework of Paul this lens or this framework of Paul desiring to magnify the name of Jesus desiring to magnify the name of Jesus desiring to magnify the name of Jesus through his writings, through his work, through his writings, through his work, through his writings, through his work, we have to ask ourselves, well, what we have to ask ourselves, well, what we have to ask ourselves, well, what exactly is this term fruitful labor? exactly is this term fruitful labor? exactly is this term fruitful labor? What like what does it mean for Paul? What like what does it mean for Paul? What like what does it mean for Paul? What does it mean for us? But as we go What does it mean for us? But as we go What does it mean for us? But as we go along, um my my initial idea or along, um my my initial idea or along, um my my initial idea or presumption, just like I'm assuming a presumption, just like I'm assuming a presumption, just like I'm assuming a lot of us in here, whenever we say lot of us in here, whenever we say lot of us in here, whenever we say fruitful labor, you may think of, hey, fruitful labor, you may think of, hey, fruitful labor, you may think of, hey, well, it's earning a paycheck. It is um well, it's earning a paycheck. It is um well, it's earning a paycheck. It is um becoming financially stable. It is again becoming financially stable. It is again becoming financially stable. It is again having that societal clout. It is like having that societal clout. It is like having that societal clout. It is like you you name it. You can fill in the you you name it. You can fill in the you you name it. You can fill in the blank with whatever is relevant to you blank with whatever is relevant to you blank with whatever is relevant to you or for me something is hey I know when I or for me something is hey I know when I or for me something is hey I know when I have done a fruitful labor or whenever I have done a fruitful labor or whenever I have done a fruitful labor or whenever I have had like a good day of work um I I have had like a good day of work um I I have had like a good day of work um I I walk into my office I have my kind of walk into my office I have my kind of walk into my office I have my kind of like my quarterly goals or my 90-day like my quarterly goals or my 90-day like my quarterly goals or my 90-day goals and then breaking it down as like goals and then breaking it down as like goals and then breaking it down as like hey here are the goals that I have to hey here are the goals that I have to hey here are the goals that I have to get done this month and then from there get done this month and then from there get done this month and then from there here are the goals that I have to get here are the goals that I have to get here are the goals that I have to get done this week and then I pull from done this week and then I pull from done this week and then I pull from those weekly goals and I make daily those weekly goals and I make daily those weekly goals and I make daily goals. And I know for me, I am satisfied goals. And I know for me, I am satisfied goals. And I know for me, I am satisfied when I have completed my daily goals.

when I have completed my daily goals. when I have completed my daily goals. When I get to cross those off the list When I get to cross those off the list When I get to cross those off the list and I get to move on to the next thing. and I get to move on to the next thing. and I get to move on to the next thing. But on the flip side, if I don't do But on the flip side, if I don't do But on the flip side, if I don't do those goals, if I have not succeeded in those goals, if I have not succeeded in those goals, if I have not succeeded in my task for the day, then I feel like I my task for the day, then I feel like I my task for the day, then I feel like I have not done fruitful labor. But that have not done fruitful labor. But that have not done fruitful labor. But that is the opposite of really what Paul is is the opposite of really what Paul is is the opposite of really what Paul is trying to say. And what he's saying when trying to say. And what he's saying when trying to say. And what he's saying when he says fruitful labor, the labor that he says fruitful labor, the labor that he says fruitful labor, the labor that he's talking about, and the fruit that he's talking about, and the fruit that he's talking about, and the fruit that he's talking about is not necessarily he's talking about is not necessarily he's talking about is not necessarily concerning himself, but it's concerning concerning himself, but it's concerning concerning himself, but it's concerning others. He's not saying, "Hey, if I get others. He's not saying, "Hey, if I get others. He's not saying, "Hey, if I get to live on earth, if I get to continue to live on earth, if I get to continue to live on earth, if I get to continue to live and minister and preach and and to live and minister and preach and and to live and minister and preach and and share in life with you all, it's not share in life with you all, it's not share in life with you all, it's not fruitful for me, but it's fruitful for fruitful for me, but it's fruitful for fruitful for me, but it's fruitful for you." So, him staying and him living is you." So, him staying and him living is you." So, him staying and him living is a benefit to the church in Philippi. a benefit to the church in Philippi. a benefit to the church in Philippi. Going back to 25, it says, "Convinced of Going back to 25, it says, "Convinced of Going back to 25, it says, "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and this, I know that I will remain and this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress continue with you all for your progress continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith so that your proud and joy in the faith so that your proud and joy in the faith so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ confidence in me may abound in Christ confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again." Jesus through my coming to you again." Jesus through my coming to you again." So the labor is simply Paul remaining So the labor is simply Paul remaining So the labor is simply Paul remaining with the church in Philippi. him with the church in Philippi. him with the church in Philippi. him spending time with them, he him spending time with them, he him spending time with them, he him exhorting them, him discipling them and exhorting them, him discipling them and exhorting them, him discipling them and and pushing them onward to be more like and pushing them onward to be more like and pushing them onward to be more like Christ to grow in their progress and Christ to grow in their progress and Christ to grow in their progress and their joy in the faith. And the fruit is their joy in the faith. And the fruit is their joy in the faith. And the fruit is just that it is their progress and joy just that it is their progress and joy just that it is their progress and joy in the faith. There's nothing Paul is in the faith. There's nothing Paul is in the faith. There's nothing Paul is earning from this. Paul is actually he earning from this. Paul is actually he earning from this. Paul is actually he is he is pretty well documented to be is he is pretty well documented to be is he is pretty well documented to be financially unstable as he goes through financially unstable as he goes through financially unstable as he goes through these missionary journeys. He is very these missionary journeys. He is very these missionary journeys. He is very reliant on these churches and on these reliant on these churches and on these reliant on these churches and on these destinations to help provide for him. So destinations to help provide for him. So destinations to help provide for him. So the fruit is not in his circumstances is

the fruit is not in his circumstances is the fruit is not in his circumstances is is in what he can offer and what the the is in what he can offer and what the the is in what he can offer and what the the the church in Philippi is able to see. the church in Philippi is able to see. the church in Philippi is able to see. And so Paul writes in this very And so Paul writes in this very And so Paul writes in this very deductive manner and and deductive just deductive manner and and deductive just deductive manner and and deductive just means like A leads to B leads to C. And means like A leads to B leads to C. And means like A leads to B leads to C. And in my brain that's how kind of I in my brain that's how kind of I in my brain that's how kind of I process. So if we follow what Paul is process. So if we follow what Paul is process. So if we follow what Paul is saying that he is saying hey my ultimate saying that he is saying hey my ultimate saying that he is saying hey my ultimate goal is to magnify Christ whether I live goal is to magnify Christ whether I live goal is to magnify Christ whether I live or whether I die. That is the primary or whether I die. That is the primary or whether I die. That is the primary goal. That's the the top part. But then goal. That's the the top part. But then goal. That's the the top part. But then we have two options where we can branch we have two options where we can branch we have two options where we can branch off. We can die and we can fully magnify off. We can die and we can fully magnify off. We can die and we can fully magnify Christ through being resurrected with Christ through being resurrected with Christ through being resurrected with him with a new body in death, burial and him with a new body in death, burial and him with a new body in death, burial and resurrection. All those things we can resurrection. All those things we can resurrection. All those things we can magnify him in that way to gain or we magnify him in that way to gain or we magnify him in that way to gain or we can magnify and then we can live. And can magnify and then we can live. And can magnify and then we can live. And the living here means that he's going to the living here means that he's going to the living here means that he's going to labor. And the labor he's going to serve labor. And the labor he's going to serve labor. And the labor he's going to serve the Philippian church and the church is the Philippian church and the church is the Philippian church and the church is then going to grow in their joy and then going to grow in their joy and then going to grow in their joy and progress in the faith. And then lastly, progress in the faith. And then lastly, progress in the faith. And then lastly, this joy and progress in the faith is this joy and progress in the faith is this joy and progress in the faith is going to lead to what? It's going to going to lead to what? It's going to going to lead to what? It's going to lead to their boasting in Christ, aka lead to their boasting in Christ, aka lead to their boasting in Christ, aka magnifying the name of Jesus. We see magnifying the name of Jesus. We see magnifying the name of Jesus. We see that it says, "So your proud confidence that it says, "So your proud confidence that it says, "So your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus." Your in me may abound in Christ Jesus." Your in me may abound in Christ Jesus." Your version of scripture may say that you version of scripture may say that you version of scripture may say that you glory in Christ or that you exalt glory in Christ or that you exalt glory in Christ or that you exalt Christ. But ultimately what he's saying Christ. But ultimately what he's saying Christ. But ultimately what he's saying is that hey, you're you're you're is that hey, you're you're you're is that hey, you're you're you're surrounding me or me being with you.

surrounding me or me being with you. surrounding me or me being with you. you're you're recognizing or or you're you're recognizing or or you're you're recognizing or or understanding of what I'm doing and for understanding of what I'm doing and for understanding of what I'm doing and for why I'm doing it. It's going to inspire why I'm doing it. It's going to inspire why I'm doing it. It's going to inspire you. It's going to spur you on and lead you. It's going to spur you on and lead you. It's going to spur you on and lead you on. And what that's going to do is you on. And what that's going to do is you on. And what that's going to do is it's going to require and it's going to it's going to require and it's going to it's going to require and it's going to engage you in a in a way that ultimately engage you in a in a way that ultimately engage you in a in a way that ultimately the goal is going to be for you to the goal is going to be for you to the goal is going to be for you to abound and exalt the name of Jesus. And abound and exalt the name of Jesus. And abound and exalt the name of Jesus. And so he's doing this because he knows that so he's doing this because he knows that so he's doing this because he knows that this is the best case scenario for the this is the best case scenario for the this is the best case scenario for the church in Philippi church in Philippi church in Philippi is to stay with them so that they may is to stay with them so that they may is to stay with them so that they may abound in Christ. Paul's primary goal abound in Christ. Paul's primary goal abound in Christ. Paul's primary goal was just this to stay committed so that was just this to stay committed so that was just this to stay committed so that Christ may be magnified whether in life Christ may be magnified whether in life Christ may be magnified whether in life or death. So again that question that I or death. So again that question that I or death. So again that question that I asked at the beginning what are you asked at the beginning what are you asked at the beginning what are you living for? If you were to take verse 21 living for? If you were to take verse 21 living for? If you were to take verse 21 and says, "For to me to live is blank and says, "For to me to live is blank and says, "For to me to live is blank and die is blank." What would be true and die is blank." What would be true and die is blank." What would be true for you? What would you substitute in for you? What would you substitute in for you? What would you substitute in those blanks? Paul says, "For me to live those blanks? Paul says, "For me to live those blanks? Paul says, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." is Christ and to die is gain." is Christ and to die is gain." But for a lot of us, we are so gripped But for a lot of us, we are so gripped But for a lot of us, we are so gripped with the idea that we have to attain and with the idea that we have to attain and with the idea that we have to attain and and continue in or like just gain and continue in or like just gain and continue in or like just gain possessions. And we often think that possessions. And we often think that possessions. And we often think that living is money. And if we think that to living is money. And if we think that to living is money. And if we think that to live is to make money, to earn money, live is to make money, to earn money, live is to make money, to earn money, and and I'm not I'm not saying that and and I'm not I'm not saying that and and I'm not I'm not saying that money is a bad thing. I mean, we we need money is a bad thing. I mean, we we need money is a bad thing. I mean, we we need money to live. But too much of it or money to live. But too much of it or money to live. But too much of it or this this this hungry tenacious desire this this this hungry tenacious desire this this this hungry tenacious desire to be fruitful monetarily. Well, then to be fruitful monetarily. Well, then to be fruitful monetarily. Well, then that means that dying is being broke, that means that dying is being broke, that means that dying is being broke, having no more money, or for some of us having no more money, or for some of us having no more money, or for some of us it may living may be sexual pleasure or

it may living may be sexual pleasure or it may living may be sexual pleasure or just like entertainment or power or just like entertainment or power or just like entertainment or power or beauty. But then as a result, if those beauty. But then as a result, if those beauty. But then as a result, if those are what we live for, then dying means are what we live for, then dying means are what we live for, then dying means that we have no more pleasure. We have that we have no more pleasure. We have that we have no more pleasure. We have no more power. We lose our beauty. And no more power. We lose our beauty. And no more power. We lose our beauty. And we have no more fun. we have no more fun. we have no more fun. And so for us, what are you living for? And so for us, what are you living for? And so for us, what are you living for? Can you look in the mirror and genuinely Can you look in the mirror and genuinely Can you look in the mirror and genuinely say that, "Hey, I'm living for Christ." say that, "Hey, I'm living for Christ." say that, "Hey, I'm living for Christ." And you can see that because of these And you can see that because of these And you can see that because of these actions, because of the things that I'm actions, because of the things that I'm actions, because of the things that I'm I'm doing. And this is not a boastful I'm doing. And this is not a boastful I'm doing. And this is not a boastful thing. James talks about that faith thing. James talks about that faith thing. James talks about that faith without that works is dead. But we also without that works is dead. But we also without that works is dead. But we also know that that works are not what save know that that works are not what save know that that works are not what save us. But Paul, he gives us this example us. But Paul, he gives us this example us. But Paul, he gives us this example of, hey, it is important to labor for of, hey, it is important to labor for of, hey, it is important to labor for Christ. We need to be committed to the Christ. We need to be committed to the Christ. We need to be committed to the labor. Church, our plea is that you labor. Church, our plea is that you labor. Church, our plea is that you would not buy into the lie that these would not buy into the lie that these would not buy into the lie that these things that we can possess, that we can things that we can possess, that we can things that we can possess, that we can attain here on earth are going to attain here on earth are going to attain here on earth are going to satisfy. They will never satiate. They satisfy. They will never satiate. They satisfy. They will never satiate. They will never complete you. You will never will never complete you. You will never will never complete you. You will never be fully satisfied in them. It is only be fully satisfied in them. It is only be fully satisfied in them. It is only in Christ that will satisfy. Look with in Christ that will satisfy. Look with in Christ that will satisfy. Look with me following the screen to the book of me following the screen to the book of me following the screen to the book of Ecclesiastes. This is written by King Ecclesiastes. This is written by King Ecclesiastes. This is written by King Solomon. He is known for being the most Solomon. He is known for being the most Solomon. He is known for being the most wise individual to ever walk the earth.

wise individual to ever walk the earth. wise individual to ever walk the earth. And he writes in the book of And he writes in the book of And he writes in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse 4. Um I I love this because it is it's 4. Um I I love this because it is it's 4. Um I I love this because it is it's it's just the idea or this perfect it's just the idea or this perfect it's just the idea or this perfect example of the American dream basically example of the American dream basically example of the American dream basically lived out in the context of scripture. lived out in the context of scripture. lived out in the context of scripture. Starting in verse four, Starting in verse four, Starting in verse four, he says,"I enlarged my works. I built he says,"I enlarged my works. I built he says,"I enlarged my works. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards houses for myself. I planted vineyards houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for for myself. I made gardens and parks for for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself. And I planted them in all kinds myself. And I planted them in all kinds myself. And I planted them in all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of water of fruit trees. I made ponds of water of fruit trees. I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a for myself from which to irrigate a for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. I bought male forest of growing trees. I bought male forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had homeborn and female slaves and had homeborn and female slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also possess flocks and herds slaves. I also possess flocks and herds slaves. I also possess flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in larger than all who preceded me in larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem, which by the way, those who Jerusalem, which by the way, those who Jerusalem, which by the way, those who preceded him, King Saul, King David, all preceded him, King Saul, King David, all preceded him, King Saul, King David, all the judges, like this is not a a a lowly the judges, like this is not a a a lowly the judges, like this is not a a a lowly claim that he's making. My wisdom also claim that he's making. My wisdom also claim that he's making. My wisdom also stood by me. And all that my eyes stood by me. And all that my eyes stood by me. And all that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did desired, I did not refuse them. I did desired, I did not refuse them. I did not withhold from my heart any pleasure, not withhold from my heart any pleasure, not withhold from my heart any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all for my heart was pleased because of all for my heart was pleased because of all my labor, and this was the reward for my my labor, and this was the reward for my my labor, and this was the reward for my labor. Pause right there. So just be labor. Pause right there. So just be labor. Pause right there. So just be mindful. The the author here is saying, mindful. The the author here is saying, mindful. The the author here is saying, "Hey, I I didn't I didn't deprave myself "Hey, I I didn't I didn't deprave myself "Hey, I I didn't I didn't deprave myself of anything. If there was a a a desire of anything. If there was a a a desire of anything. If there was a a a desire that I wanted, I got it. If there was that I wanted, I got it. If there was that I wanted, I got it. If there was something that I wanted to do or something that I wanted to do or something that I wanted to do or something I wanted to conquer or something I wanted to conquer or something I wanted to conquer or something I wanted to build, I was able something I wanted to build, I was able something I wanted to build, I was able to do it. I proceeded in that. There was to do it. I proceeded in that. There was to do it. I proceeded in that. There was nothing that I desired that I did not nothing that I desired that I did not nothing that I desired that I did not have." But then we get to verse 11 and have." But then we get to verse 11 and have." But then we get to verse 11 and look how it concludes. It says, "Thus I look how it concludes. It says, "Thus I look how it concludes. It says, "Thus I considered all my actions or all my

considered all my actions or all my considered all my actions or all my activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted and behold the labor which I had exerted and behold the labor which I had exerted and behold all was vanity and striving after wind all was vanity and striving after wind all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun." and there was no profit under the sun." and there was no profit under the sun." The author of Ecclesiastes is saying, "I The author of Ecclesiastes is saying, "I The author of Ecclesiastes is saying, "I had it all. I pursued it all. I obtained had it all. I pursued it all. I obtained had it all. I pursued it all. I obtained it all. But at the end of the day, it it all. But at the end of the day, it it all. But at the end of the day, it meant nothing. It was vanity. It was meant nothing. It was vanity. It was meant nothing. It was vanity. It was here one moment and gone the next. To here one moment and gone the next. To here one moment and gone the next. To live was vanity. to die was nothing. The live was vanity. to die was nothing. The live was vanity. to die was nothing. The life that was being lived was nothing, life that was being lived was nothing, life that was being lived was nothing, was futile. was futile. was futile. And I think for us, this can serve as a And I think for us, this can serve as a And I think for us, this can serve as a sobering reminder that even in the sobering reminder that even in the sobering reminder that even in the day-to-day grind of going to work, day-to-day grind of going to work, day-to-day grind of going to work, earning a living, making relationships, earning a living, making relationships, earning a living, making relationships, building on foundations, or or whatever building on foundations, or or whatever building on foundations, or or whatever the case is, whatever you are working in the case is, whatever you are working in the case is, whatever you are working in or or pursuing, they're not bad. But if or or pursuing, they're not bad. But if or or pursuing, they're not bad. But if that is where we are living or putting that is where we are living or putting that is where we are living or putting our identity in, at some point sooner our identity in, at some point sooner our identity in, at some point sooner rather than later, we're going to rather than later, we're going to rather than later, we're going to recognize that it is futile, that it is recognize that it is futile, that it is recognize that it is futile, that it is worthless, that it is vanity. And so worthless, that it is vanity. And so worthless, that it is vanity. And so Paul is urging the church in Philippi to Paul is urging the church in Philippi to Paul is urging the church in Philippi to recognize this, that even in all of the recognize this, that even in all of the recognize this, that even in all of the the the the culture and the the beauty the the the culture and the the beauty the the the culture and the the beauty that is surrounding the church in that is surrounding the church in that is surrounding the church in Philippi, they were in the area of Rome.

Philippi, they were in the area of Rome. Philippi, they were in the area of Rome. So they were proud to be Roman citizens, So they were proud to be Roman citizens, So they were proud to be Roman citizens, that they had this heritage. But he's that they had this heritage. But he's that they had this heritage. But he's saying, "Hey, this doesn't matter. What saying, "Hey, this doesn't matter. What saying, "Hey, this doesn't matter. What matters is that you are living for and matters is that you are living for and matters is that you are living for and magnifying the name of Christ who died magnifying the name of Christ who died magnifying the name of Christ who died on the cross, was buried for you, and on the cross, was buried for you, and on the cross, was buried for you, and rose on the third day so that you may be rose on the third day so that you may be rose on the third day so that you may be restored to him." He says that to die is restored to him." He says that to die is restored to him." He says that to die is gain. He would rather die. He would gain. He would rather die. He would gain. He would rather die. He would rather go be with the father because his rather go be with the father because his rather go be with the father because his entire work as a Christian was as a entire work as a Christian was as a entire work as a Christian was as a result of the work that Christ did in result of the work that Christ did in result of the work that Christ did in him. And so for him, he says, "Hey, I'm him. And so for him, he says, "Hey, I'm him. And so for him, he says, "Hey, I'm not going to die. What's going to happen not going to die. What's going to happen not going to die. What's going to happen is I'm going to stay on earth. I'm going is I'm going to stay on earth. I'm going is I'm going to stay on earth. I'm going to be with the church in Philippi." to be with the church in Philippi." to be with the church in Philippi." Hopefully, he doesn't know if he's going Hopefully, he doesn't know if he's going Hopefully, he doesn't know if he's going to get to go back because at the end of to get to go back because at the end of to get to go back because at the end of the day, the best case scenario for the the day, the best case scenario for the the day, the best case scenario for the church in Philippi is that I'm with church in Philippi is that I'm with church in Philippi is that I'm with them. them. them. I recently have gotten to see this idea I recently have gotten to see this idea I recently have gotten to see this idea of to live as Christ die as gain uh of to live as Christ die as gain uh of to live as Christ die as gain uh played out. And it's and it's to to played out. And it's and it's to to played out. And it's and it's to to completion in my life. uh my the last completion in my life. uh my the last completion in my life. uh my the last couple years, three or four years, my couple years, three or four years, my couple years, three or four years, my grandfather has been declining in health grandfather has been declining in health grandfather has been declining in health and what used to be this I mean like and what used to be this I mean like and what used to be this I mean like he's where I get my height from. He was he's where I get my height from. He was he's where I get my height from. He was 6'8 whenever he was my age. He was like 6'8 whenever he was my age. He was like 6'8 whenever he was my age. He was like 6'8, 250, played college basketball, all 6'8, 250, played college basketball, all 6'8, 250, played college basketball, all these things. Like this guy was my idol.

these things. Like this guy was my idol. these things. Like this guy was my idol. He was the the patriarch of our family. He was the the patriarch of our family. He was the the patriarch of our family. He had just these financial investments He had just these financial investments He had just these financial investments that he made that he was able to provide that he made that he was able to provide that he made that he was able to provide for our family. He led our family well. for our family. He led our family well. for our family. He led our family well. But over the last couple of years, this But over the last couple of years, this But over the last couple of years, this this stalwart hos of an individual that this stalwart hos of an individual that this stalwart hos of an individual that I I looked up to so much who prioritized I I looked up to so much who prioritized I I looked up to so much who prioritized the Lord, I watched him physically begin the Lord, I watched him physically begin the Lord, I watched him physically begin to dwindle. And what was once this this to dwindle. And what was once this this to dwindle. And what was once this this healthy 6'8 individual began to be this healthy 6'8 individual began to be this healthy 6'8 individual began to be this 6'5 and then 6'4 and then he was not 6'5 and then 6'4 and then he was not 6'5 and then 6'4 and then he was not 250, he finished his life at about 150, 250, he finished his life at about 150, 250, he finished his life at about 150, which if you can imagine, he was this which if you can imagine, he was this which if you can imagine, he was this shell, frail version of himself. And so shell, frail version of himself. And so shell, frail version of himself. And so I go from seeing an individual who had I go from seeing an individual who had I go from seeing an individual who had it all to then virtually had nothing. it all to then virtually had nothing. it all to then virtually had nothing. But what was staggering to me is that But what was staggering to me is that But what was staggering to me is that this last year he he passed away in this last year he he passed away in this last year he he passed away in April to go be with the Lord. But last April to go be with the Lord. But last April to go be with the Lord. But last summer I got to go spend some time with summer I got to go spend some time with summer I got to go spend some time with him. He's in the hospital. He had fallen him. He's in the hospital. He had fallen him. He's in the hospital. He had fallen and he had like had a heart attack. and he had like had a heart attack. and he had like had a heart attack. Wasn't able to use his left arm. And we Wasn't able to use his left arm. And we Wasn't able to use his left arm. And we he was he was toiling. He's like, "Man, he was he was toiling. He's like, "Man, he was he was toiling. He's like, "Man, cross eye. I'm ready to go. I'm ready to cross eye. I'm ready to go. I'm ready to cross eye. I'm ready to go. I'm ready to go. Like I'm ready to go be with the go. Like I'm ready to go be with the go. Like I'm ready to go be with the father." But even in his desire to go be father." But even in his desire to go be father." But even in his desire to go be with the Lord, he recognized that his with the Lord, he recognized that his with the Lord, he recognized that his purpose for being on earth was to purpose for being on earth was to purpose for being on earth was to magnify the name of the Lord. So God magnify the name of the Lord. So God magnify the name of the Lord. So God blessed those doctors and nurses at blessed those doctors and nurses at blessed those doctors and nurses at McCerten County Memorial Hospital. He McCerten County Memorial Hospital. He McCerten County Memorial Hospital. He laid there in the hospital bed and there laid there in the hospital bed and there laid there in the hospital bed and there was not one medical professional that was not one medical professional that was not one medical professional that walked into his room that did not hear a walked into his room that did not hear a walked into his room that did not hear a gospel presentation, was questioned gospel presentation, was questioned gospel presentation, was questioned about their religious views or their about their religious views or their about their religious views or their religious practices or got a short religious practices or got a short religious practices or got a short version of Glenn Steven's testimony. And version of Glenn Steven's testimony. And version of Glenn Steven's testimony. And even in that, we have no idea what the even in that, we have no idea what the even in that, we have no idea what the the ripple effect is going to be or or the ripple effect is going to be or or the ripple effect is going to be or or what's going to result of that. But at

what's going to result of that. But at what's going to result of that. But at the end of the day, my 93-year-old the end of the day, my 93-year-old the end of the day, my 93-year-old grandfather was still aiming to magnify grandfather was still aiming to magnify grandfather was still aiming to magnify the name of Christ even when he's the name of Christ even when he's the name of Christ even when he's staring death in the face. And this last staring death in the face. And this last staring death in the face. And this last April, he went to go be with the Lord. April, he went to go be with the Lord. April, he went to go be with the Lord. And in his funeral, it was glorious. It And in his funeral, it was glorious. It And in his funeral, it was glorious. It was a it was a worship service. It was was a it was a worship service. It was was a it was a worship service. It was beautiful because we got to recognize beautiful because we got to recognize beautiful because we got to recognize that, hey, his life was lived for Christ that, hey, his life was lived for Christ that, hey, his life was lived for Christ and his death was gained for himself. and his death was gained for himself. and his death was gained for himself. Praise the Lord for that. We're so Praise the Lord for that. We're so Praise the Lord for that. We're so thankful for that reality. So I I have thankful for that reality. So I I have thankful for that reality. So I I have three really quick questions and then three really quick questions and then three really quick questions and then we're going to go to the the next point. we're going to go to the the next point. we're going to go to the the next point. The first thing for us as we evaluate The first thing for us as we evaluate The first thing for us as we evaluate a good way to indicate and and a good way to indicate and and a good way to indicate and and understand, hey, are we walking in a way understand, hey, are we walking in a way understand, hey, are we walking in a way that is worthy of a manner of the Lord that is worthy of a manner of the Lord that is worthy of a manner of the Lord or are we following after Christ? Are we or are we following after Christ? Are we or are we following after Christ? Are we magnifying his name? The first question magnifying his name? The first question magnifying his name? The first question is, are you serving others? Paul says it is, are you serving others? Paul says it is, are you serving others? Paul says it is necessary that he stays. That doesn't is necessary that he stays. That doesn't is necessary that he stays. That doesn't mean that it's going to like unravel or mean that it's going to like unravel or mean that it's going to like unravel or implode because Paul is not strong implode because Paul is not strong implode because Paul is not strong enough to do that on his own. We know enough to do that on his own. We know enough to do that on his own. We know that I can stand up here and I could that I can stand up here and I could that I can stand up here and I could preach for hours and hours and hours and preach for hours and hours and hours and preach for hours and hours and hours and I could preach what I feel like is the I could preach what I feel like is the I could preach what I feel like is the best sermon ever, but if the Lord is not best sermon ever, but if the Lord is not best sermon ever, but if the Lord is not in it, then nothing is going to result in it, then nothing is going to result in it, then nothing is going to result of it. We may feel a little emotionally of it. We may feel a little emotionally of it. We may feel a little emotionally charged, but if the Lord doesn't guide charged, but if the Lord doesn't guide charged, but if the Lord doesn't guide us or direct us, nothing is going to us or direct us, nothing is going to us or direct us, nothing is going to matter. So he says it's necessary that matter. So he says it's necessary that matter. So he says it's necessary that he stays. And so for you, if you left he stays. And so for you, if you left he stays. And so for you, if you left the church or if you left your group, the church or if you left your group, the church or if you left your group, would your presence or the lack of would your presence or the lack of would your presence or the lack of presence be felt?

presence be felt? presence be felt? Paul uses this imagery of the body of Paul uses this imagery of the body of Paul uses this imagery of the body of Christ all the time. He says, "Hey, the Christ all the time. He says, "Hey, the Christ all the time. He says, "Hey, the arm does something that the eye can't arm does something that the eye can't arm does something that the eye can't do. The eye does something that the ear do. The eye does something that the ear do. The eye does something that the ear can't do. I know for me, if my left arm can't do. I know for me, if my left arm can't do. I know for me, if my left arm is gone, being left-handed, um, I would is gone, being left-handed, um, I would is gone, being left-handed, um, I would miss my left arm quite a bit. Like, it's miss my left arm quite a bit. Like, it's miss my left arm quite a bit. Like, it's going to I'm going to have to relearn going to I'm going to have to relearn going to I'm going to have to relearn how to do a lot of things. And so for how to do a lot of things. And so for how to do a lot of things. And so for you as part of the body of Christ, if you as part of the body of Christ, if you as part of the body of Christ, if you left, would your absence be felt? you left, would your absence be felt? you left, would your absence be felt? Or are you a consumer and a bystander Or are you a consumer and a bystander Or are you a consumer and a bystander that is just nominally believe what the that is just nominally believe what the that is just nominally believe what the Lord has said? Secondly is, are you Lord has said? Secondly is, are you Lord has said? Secondly is, are you serving for the progress and joy of serving for the progress and joy of serving for the progress and joy of others? Are you really intentionally others? Are you really intentionally others? Are you really intentionally engaging in serving so that others may engaging in serving so that others may engaging in serving so that others may abound in Christ? So they may boast in abound in Christ? So they may boast in abound in Christ? So they may boast in Christ, so they may grow in their joy Christ, so they may grow in their joy Christ, so they may grow in their joy and their progress of knowing the Lord. and their progress of knowing the Lord. and their progress of knowing the Lord. We have a lot of times people that will We have a lot of times people that will We have a lot of times people that will serve for selfish ambition because they serve for selfish ambition because they serve for selfish ambition because they want to receive the glory. They want to want to receive the glory. They want to want to receive the glory. They want to uh be be crowned or be placed in this uh be be crowned or be placed in this uh be be crowned or be placed in this seat of honor, exaltation, when in seat of honor, exaltation, when in seat of honor, exaltation, when in reality that is not the case. So if reality that is not the case. So if reality that is not the case. So if you're serving, praise God, but then you're serving, praise God, but then you're serving, praise God, but then also check your heart. Why are you also check your heart. Why are you also check your heart. Why are you serving? It was so cool to see over 300 serving? It was so cool to see over 300 serving? It was so cool to see over 300 volunteers make vacation Bible school volunteers make vacation Bible school volunteers make vacation Bible school happen. It does not happen without the happen. It does not happen without the happen. It does not happen without the the faithful service of individuals who the faithful service of individuals who the faithful service of individuals who get off work at 5 and then maybe go grab get off work at 5 and then maybe go grab get off work at 5 and then maybe go grab something to eat and come right straight something to eat and come right straight something to eat and come right straight over here and make VBS happen. Like over here and make VBS happen. Like over here and make VBS happen. Like praise God for that. And so are you praise God for that. And so are you praise God for that. And so are you serving? And then are you serving for serving? And then are you serving for serving? And then are you serving for the progress and joy of others? So we the progress and joy of others? So we the progress and joy of others? So we need to be committed to labor, committed need to be committed to labor, committed need to be committed to labor, committed to this work. Paul does not say and if to this work. Paul does not say and if to this work. Paul does not say and if and if I stay then maybe I'll work. He and if I stay then maybe I'll work. He and if I stay then maybe I'll work. He says no me staying means that I will

says no me staying means that I will says no me staying means that I will labor for you. But then also we need to labor for you. But then also we need to labor for you. But then also we need to be committed to suffer. be committed to suffer. be committed to suffer. Going back to verse 27, it says, 'Only Going back to verse 27, it says, 'Only Going back to verse 27, it says, 'Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I the gospel of Christ. So that whether I the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I come and see you or remain absent, I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing will hear of you that you are standing will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, firm in one spirit with one mind, firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the striving together for the faith of the striving together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your gospel, in no way alarmed by your gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of opponents, which is a sign of opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but salvation for destruction for them, but salvation for destruction for them, but salvation for you, and that too from God. you, and that too from God. you, and that too from God. Building on on this idea of we are to Building on on this idea of we are to Building on on this idea of we are to labor for Christ. We're also to suffer labor for Christ. We're also to suffer labor for Christ. We're also to suffer for Christ. We see again Paul, he kind for Christ. We see again Paul, he kind for Christ. We see again Paul, he kind of works this way down. He gives us this of works this way down. He gives us this of works this way down. He gives us this initial statement of, hey, only conduct initial statement of, hey, only conduct initial statement of, hey, only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of Christ. yourselves in a manner worthy of Christ. yourselves in a manner worthy of Christ. The only way you could magnify Christ. The only way you could magnify Christ. The only way you could magnify Christ. The only way that you can exalt the name The only way that you can exalt the name The only way that you can exalt the name of Jesus is if you're conducting of Jesus is if you're conducting of Jesus is if you're conducting yourself in a manner worthy of Jesus, of yourself in a manner worthy of Jesus, of yourself in a manner worthy of Jesus, of the gospel. And so then he gives us some the gospel. And so then he gives us some the gospel. And so then he gives us some ideas or some evidence of that. If you ideas or some evidence of that. If you ideas or some evidence of that. If you are to walk in a manner worthy of are to walk in a manner worthy of are to walk in a manner worthy of Christ, then what are you going to do?

Christ, then what are you going to do? Christ, then what are you going to do? You're going to stand firm. You're going You're going to stand firm. You're going You're going to stand firm. You're going to be of one mind and one spirit. You're to be of one mind and one spirit. You're to be of one mind and one spirit. You're going to be striving together. And going to be striving together. And going to be striving together. And you're going to be in no way alarmed by you're going to be in no way alarmed by you're going to be in no way alarmed by your opponents. So there's four things your opponents. So there's four things your opponents. So there's four things right there. It's not on the screen, but right there. It's not on the screen, but right there. It's not on the screen, but you can write those things down. But you can write those things down. But you can write those things down. But notably, we have really four different notably, we have really four different notably, we have really four different postures in this this passage right postures in this this passage right postures in this this passage right here. So standing firm is this idea of a here. So standing firm is this idea of a here. So standing firm is this idea of a defensive posture. You're to stand and defensive posture. You're to stand and defensive posture. You're to stand and give an account for the reason and give an account for the reason and give an account for the reason and testimony of why you believe who Christ testimony of why you believe who Christ testimony of why you believe who Christ is. So, we're to stand firm as a church, is. So, we're to stand firm as a church, is. So, we're to stand firm as a church, as a body, as an individual to know that as a body, as an individual to know that as a body, as an individual to know that Christ is sovereign through it all. Christ is sovereign through it all. Christ is sovereign through it all. We're also to be unified of one mind and We're also to be unified of one mind and We're also to be unified of one mind and one spirit. We follow one central one spirit. We follow one central one spirit. We follow one central mission to reach, connect, disciple, and mission to reach, connect, disciple, and mission to reach, connect, disciple, and send, not just in Jonesboro, Arkansas, send, not just in Jonesboro, Arkansas, send, not just in Jonesboro, Arkansas, but through the nations. We've got but through the nations. We've got but through the nations. We've got college students that are overseas right college students that are overseas right college students that are overseas right now. We've got college students that are now. We've got college students that are now. We've got college students that are in Columbia, Missouri. We got a college in Columbia, Missouri. We got a college in Columbia, Missouri. We got a college or we got a high school student that's or we got a high school student that's or we got a high school student that's in Canada. We have more students in can. in Canada. We have more students in can. in Canada. We have more students in can. We got places everywhere. This is our We got places everywhere. This is our We got places everywhere. This is our central goal as a church. We are unified central goal as a church. We are unified central goal as a church. We are unified in this regard. But then also we're not in this regard. But then also we're not in this regard. But then also we're not just to stand firm and be unified, but just to stand firm and be unified, but just to stand firm and be unified, but then we're to advance together. We're to then we're to advance together. We're to then we're to advance together. We're to strive together, to take ground strive together, to take ground strive together, to take ground together. That for brothers and sisters together. That for brothers and sisters together. That for brothers and sisters in Christ, as we are progressing through in Christ, as we are progressing through in Christ, as we are progressing through faith, that we are linking arms and faith, that we are linking arms and faith, that we are linking arms and we're posturing through and we're we're posturing through and we're we're posturing through and we're walking through the ultimate goal of walking through the ultimate goal of walking through the ultimate goal of striving to make known the cause of striving to make known the cause of striving to make known the cause of Christ. We can sit on our heels and we Christ. We can sit on our heels and we Christ. We can sit on our heels and we can play defense all we want. But until can play defense all we want. But until can play defense all we want. But until we attack and we progress for the name we attack and we progress for the name we attack and we progress for the name of Jesus, we're not going to see the of Jesus, we're not going to see the of Jesus, we're not going to see the results that Christ has promised us. And results that Christ has promised us. And results that Christ has promised us. And then lastly, fearing nothing. If you are then lastly, fearing nothing. If you are then lastly, fearing nothing. If you are genuinely convinced that Christ is who

genuinely convinced that Christ is who genuinely convinced that Christ is who he says he is, and Paul says it that, he says he is, and Paul says it that, he says he is, and Paul says it that, hey, for me to die is not scary or not hey, for me to die is not scary or not hey, for me to die is not scary or not devastating. For me to die is gain. I devastating. For me to die is gain. I devastating. For me to die is gain. I know that all the good stuff that I can know that all the good stuff that I can know that all the good stuff that I can have here on earth is going to be have here on earth is going to be have here on earth is going to be exponentially better in heaven because exponentially better in heaven because exponentially better in heaven because why? I'm united with my creator. And so why? I'm united with my creator. And so why? I'm united with my creator. And so for us fearing nothing, we are not for us fearing nothing, we are not for us fearing nothing, we are not alarmed by anything because we are alarmed by anything because we are alarmed by anything because we are convinced of the work that Christ has convinced of the work that Christ has convinced of the work that Christ has done. The gospel has provided us what we done. The gospel has provided us what we done. The gospel has provided us what we need. And then thirdly, as we continue need. And then thirdly, as we continue need. And then thirdly, as we continue on, we see the results. If we are on, we see the results. If we are on, we see the results. If we are genuinely convinced of this, this means genuinely convinced of this, this means genuinely convinced of this, this means two things. A, this means destruction two things. A, this means destruction two things. A, this means destruction for our enemies. And I'm not saying uh for our enemies. And I'm not saying uh for our enemies. And I'm not saying uh you're you're like Joe from accounting you're you're like Joe from accounting you're you're like Joe from accounting or Tina from finance, whatever. That's or Tina from finance, whatever. That's or Tina from finance, whatever. That's not saying that they're going to be not saying that they're going to be not saying that they're going to be eviscerated or destroyed. But eviscerated or destroyed. But eviscerated or destroyed. But ultimately, the opposition that we face, ultimately, the opposition that we face, ultimately, the opposition that we face, the people that we think as our the people that we think as our the people that we think as our opposition, the the spiritual enemies, opposition, the the spiritual enemies, opposition, the the spiritual enemies, the the the prince of the earth, Satan the the the prince of the earth, Satan the the the prince of the earth, Satan himself, like they have no power over himself, like they have no power over himself, like they have no power over us. But then what it also means if we us. But then what it also means if we us. But then what it also means if we are convinced, if we are evidenced of are convinced, if we are evidenced of are convinced, if we are evidenced of walking with Christ by standing firm, walking with Christ by standing firm, walking with Christ by standing firm, being unified, striving together and not being unified, striving together and not being unified, striving together and not being fearful, this means our salvation.

being fearful, this means our salvation. being fearful, this means our salvation. If you have genuine salvation in Christ, If you have genuine salvation in Christ, If you have genuine salvation in Christ, then fear or lack of fear is a result. then fear or lack of fear is a result. then fear or lack of fear is a result. And praise God for that. We know that we And praise God for that. We know that we And praise God for that. We know that we don't have to fear anything. And then don't have to fear anything. And then don't have to fear anything. And then lastly, lastly, lastly, we get the root of this all. we get the root of this all. we get the root of this all. It says, "For you it has been granted It says, "For you it has been granted It says, "For you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe for Christ's sake, not only to believe for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but to suffer for his sake." The in him, but to suffer for his sake." The in him, but to suffer for his sake." The result of walking in a manner worthy of result of walking in a manner worthy of result of walking in a manner worthy of Christ, worthy of the gospel, standing Christ, worthy of the gospel, standing Christ, worthy of the gospel, standing unified, striving together, fearing unified, striving together, fearing unified, striving together, fearing nothing, nothing, nothing, taking a stand and standing firm. What taking a stand and standing firm. What taking a stand and standing firm. What this ultimately does is exposes the root this ultimately does is exposes the root this ultimately does is exposes the root of how we get there. That is to labor. of how we get there. That is to labor. of how we get there. That is to labor. that is to believe and that is to that is to believe and that is to that is to believe and that is to suffer. suffer. suffer. For us as believers, if we try to For us as believers, if we try to For us as believers, if we try to conjure up this idea or think that we conjure up this idea or think that we conjure up this idea or think that we can achieve salvation on our own, then can achieve salvation on our own, then can achieve salvation on our own, then we're wrong. If we think that, hey, we're wrong. If we think that, hey, we're wrong. If we think that, hey, we're we can we can believe, but we also we're we can we can believe, but we also we're we can we can believe, but we also like I'm just going to believe I'm going like I'm just going to believe I'm going like I'm just going to believe I'm going to show up on Sundays. I'm going to send to show up on Sundays. I'm going to send to show up on Sundays. I'm going to send my kid to VBS, but I'm not really going my kid to VBS, but I'm not really going my kid to VBS, but I'm not really going to be a participant. I want to do X, Y, to be a participant. I want to do X, Y, to be a participant. I want to do X, Y, and Z, but you know, I'm I I'm I'm going and Z, but you know, I'm I I'm I'm going and Z, but you know, I'm I I'm I'm going to draw my line in the sand where where to draw my line in the sand where where to draw my line in the sand where where my involvement stops. So, we can my involvement stops. So, we can my involvement stops. So, we can believe, which is incredibly easy. I believe, which is incredibly easy. I believe, which is incredibly easy. I believe every year that the Dallas believe every year that the Dallas believe every year that the Dallas Cowboys are going to win a Super Bowl.

Cowboys are going to win a Super Bowl. Cowboys are going to win a Super Bowl. Every year I'm let down, Every year I'm let down, Every year I'm let down, and I probably will be for the and I probably will be for the and I probably will be for the foreseeable future. But ultimately for foreseeable future. But ultimately for foreseeable future. But ultimately for us, believing is easy. To suffer, on the us, believing is easy. To suffer, on the us, believing is easy. To suffer, on the other hand, is incredibly difficult. And other hand, is incredibly difficult. And other hand, is incredibly difficult. And if you're suffering for something you if you're suffering for something you if you're suffering for something you don't believe in, then get out. Why are don't believe in, then get out. Why are don't believe in, then get out. Why are you a part of it? But for Paul saying, you a part of it? But for Paul saying, you a part of it? But for Paul saying, hey, to suffer for Christ's sake means hey, to suffer for Christ's sake means hey, to suffer for Christ's sake means that you believe in who Christ is. So that you believe in who Christ is. So that you believe in who Christ is. So for all of us in this room, if we are for all of us in this room, if we are for all of us in this room, if we are not suffering, I would say, hey, well, not suffering, I would say, hey, well, not suffering, I would say, hey, well, like we need to roll up our sleeves and like we need to roll up our sleeves and like we need to roll up our sleeves and get in the game. We're not called to get in the game. We're not called to get in the game. We're not called to just be spectators. We're called to work just be spectators. We're called to work just be spectators. We're called to work and labor for the cause of Christ to and labor for the cause of Christ to and labor for the cause of Christ to magnify his name. And so for us to be magnify his name. And so for us to be magnify his name. And so for us to be reminded and to remember that suffering reminded and to remember that suffering reminded and to remember that suffering is a good thing. When we suffer, that is a good thing. When we suffer, that is a good thing. When we suffer, that means that we are satisfied. We will means that we are satisfied. We will means that we are satisfied. We will only suffer for something when we are only suffer for something when we are only suffer for something when we are content with what we're doing. I know content with what we're doing. I know content with what we're doing. I know for me, I I got to play college for me, I I got to play college for me, I I got to play college basketball. Um, I was content with basketball. Um, I was content with basketball. Um, I was content with suffering at 5:00 a.m. every morning to suffering at 5:00 a.m. every morning to suffering at 5:00 a.m. every morning to go run hills or go work out or watch go run hills or go work out or watch go run hills or go work out or watch film or whatever the case is because I film or whatever the case is because I film or whatever the case is because I was excited and satisfied and that I was was excited and satisfied and that I was was excited and satisfied and that I was getting to play college basketball. But getting to play college basketball. But getting to play college basketball. But at some point when that desire or that at some point when that desire or that at some point when that desire or that satisfaction stopped, I didn't I I satisfaction stopped, I didn't I I satisfaction stopped, I didn't I I didn't want to keep waking up at 5 in didn't want to keep waking up at 5 in didn't want to keep waking up at 5 in the morning. I got out. So for us, I'm the morning. I got out. So for us, I'm the morning. I got out. So for us, I'm not saying that we can just jump ship not saying that we can just jump ship not saying that we can just jump ship back and forth, but for us, if we are back and forth, but for us, if we are back and forth, but for us, if we are suffering for something, that shows our suffering for something, that shows our suffering for something, that shows our satisfaction in Christ. And God is most satisfaction in Christ. And God is most satisfaction in Christ. And God is most magnified in us. Jesus is most glorified magnified in us. Jesus is most glorified magnified in us. Jesus is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

in us when we are most satisfied in him. in us when we are most satisfied in him. If you are satisfied in the work and If you are satisfied in the work and If you are satisfied in the work and person of Jesus Christ, you're going to person of Jesus Christ, you're going to person of Jesus Christ, you're going to do abundantly more, immeasurably more. do abundantly more, immeasurably more. do abundantly more, immeasurably more. We say Ephesians 3:20 day in and day We say Ephesians 3:20 day in and day We say Ephesians 3:20 day in and day out. We have alarm set. we pray this. out. We have alarm set. we pray this. out. We have alarm set. we pray this. But if you're satisfied in Jesus and But if you're satisfied in Jesus and But if you're satisfied in Jesus and you're convinced truly of who he is, you're convinced truly of who he is, you're convinced truly of who he is, then that's going to be true of your then that's going to be true of your then that's going to be true of your life. You're going to be willing to life. You're going to be willing to life. You're going to be willing to suffer and labor because you know that suffer and labor because you know that suffer and labor because you know that ultimately it leads to the edification ultimately it leads to the edification ultimately it leads to the edification and the building up of other believers and the building up of other believers and the building up of other believers and saints in the church. And so as I and saints in the church. And so as I and saints in the church. And so as I close, I want to again ask this close, I want to again ask this close, I want to again ask this question. What are you living for? question. What are you living for? question. What are you living for? What do you pursue or go after or charge What do you pursue or go after or charge What do you pursue or go after or charge in for in your life? Our prayer is that in for in your life? Our prayer is that in for in your life? Our prayer is that you could also say to live as Christ, as you could also say to live as Christ, as you could also say to live as Christ, as long as I'm on this earth, as long as long as I'm on this earth, as long as long as I'm on this earth, as long as there is a a little beat in my neck, I'm there is a a little beat in my neck, I'm there is a a little beat in my neck, I'm going to serve and I'm going to labor going to serve and I'm going to labor going to serve and I'm going to labor for the Lord. I'm going to suffer. I'm for the Lord. I'm going to suffer. I'm for the Lord. I'm going to suffer. I'm going to be be willing to give up my my going to be be willing to give up my my going to be be willing to give up my my desires and ambitions for the sake of desires and ambitions for the sake of desires and ambitions for the sake of the gospel. Whether that's here in the gospel. Whether that's here in the gospel. Whether that's here in Jonesboro and seeing little children on Jonesboro and seeing little children on Jonesboro and seeing little children on stage worshiping and learning emotions stage worshiping and learning emotions stage worshiping and learning emotions or whether that's hey I'm going to go on or whether that's hey I'm going to go on or whether that's hey I'm going to go on a mission trip and serve or whatever the a mission trip and serve or whatever the a mission trip and serve or whatever the case is. But I want to caution us that case is. But I want to caution us that case is. But I want to caution us that we hear this passage to live as Christ we hear this passage to live as Christ we hear this passage to live as Christ and die as gain. And we can often and die as gain. And we can often and die as gain. And we can often overromanticize overromanticize overromanticize this idea of Christian martyrdom in this idea of Christian martyrdom in this idea of Christian martyrdom in Western culture. Now, we have men and Western culture. Now, we have men and Western culture. Now, we have men and women, brothers and sisters, that we women, brothers and sisters, that we women, brothers and sisters, that we have been able to send out as a church have been able to send out as a church have been able to send out as a church that go into these closed countries to that go into these closed countries to that go into these closed countries to share the gospel that they could share the gospel that they could share the gospel that they could legitimately lose their life. And praise

legitimately lose their life. And praise legitimately lose their life. And praise God for that. We need the gospel across God for that. We need the gospel across God for that. We need the gospel across all the nations. But what that's done is all the nations. But what that's done is all the nations. But what that's done is inadvertently for us in America, for us inadvertently for us in America, for us inadvertently for us in America, for us in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we think, okay, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we think, okay, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we think, okay, well, for me that is so extreme. well, for me that is so extreme. well, for me that is so extreme. Therefore, what I have the opportunity Therefore, what I have the opportunity Therefore, what I have the opportunity to do here is so meaningless [snorts] or to do here is so meaningless [snorts] or to do here is so meaningless [snorts] or it's so unimportant or so marginal. And it's so unimportant or so marginal. And it's so unimportant or so marginal. And that could not be the furthest from the that could not be the furthest from the that could not be the furthest from the truth. You look at the people that have truth. You look at the people that have truth. You look at the people that have come through our residency or that are come through our residency or that are come through our residency or that are in our residency. You you look at the in our residency. You you look at the in our residency. You you look at the pastors on staff and every one of them pastors on staff and every one of them pastors on staff and every one of them have been in or poured into and has been have been in or poured into and has been have been in or poured into and has been an investment by other people in this an investment by other people in this an investment by other people in this church. Like there is a clear line that church. Like there is a clear line that church. Like there is a clear line that hey it starts here. Our work begins hey it starts here. Our work begins hey it starts here. Our work begins here. It's not just for those that are here. It's not just for those that are here. It's not just for those that are going far overseas. But if we are in going far overseas. But if we are in going far overseas. But if we are in America, if we are in Jonesboro, America, if we are in Jonesboro, America, if we are in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we have a commitment. We have Arkansas, we have a commitment. We have Arkansas, we have a commitment. We have to stay rooted in the fact that our to stay rooted in the fact that our to stay rooted in the fact that our primary goal is to magnify the name of primary goal is to magnify the name of primary goal is to magnify the name of Jesus. And so as I as I pray here in a Jesus. And so as I as I pray here in a Jesus. And so as I as I pray here in a second, I want to I want to ask two second, I want to I want to ask two second, I want to I want to ask two things and I want us to be aware of two things and I want us to be aware of two things and I want us to be aware of two things. First and foremost, if you're in things. First and foremost, if you're in things. First and foremost, if you're in here today and you're like, I I don't here today and you're like, I I don't here today and you're like, I I don't even know where to begin. I I don't have even know where to begin. I I don't have even know where to begin. I I don't have this walk with the Lord. I don't even this walk with the Lord. I don't even this walk with the Lord. I don't even know how to begin to magnify him. Would know how to begin to magnify him. Would know how to begin to magnify him. Would you ask the Lord to reveal that to you?

you ask the Lord to reveal that to you? you ask the Lord to reveal that to you? Our our prayer is that every Sunday that Our our prayer is that every Sunday that Our our prayer is that every Sunday that there is someone who is who who comes to there is someone who is who who comes to there is someone who is who who comes to know the Lord through salvation. know the Lord through salvation. know the Lord through salvation. We're going to have pastors down front We're going to have pastors down front We're going to have pastors down front that can pray for you, that can answer that can pray for you, that can answer that can pray for you, that can answer questions, that would love to spend time questions, that would love to spend time questions, that would love to spend time and and walk through this with you. But and and walk through this with you. But and and walk through this with you. But then also, I want to talk to my fellow then also, I want to talk to my fellow then also, I want to talk to my fellow believers in the room and say, "Hey, are believers in the room and say, "Hey, are believers in the room and say, "Hey, are you a a a statistical nominal believer you a a a statistical nominal believer you a a a statistical nominal believer that shows up every third or fourth that shows up every third or fourth that shows up every third or fourth Sunday that's content with that and you Sunday that's content with that and you Sunday that's content with that and you can sleep in the rest of the time?" And can sleep in the rest of the time?" And can sleep in the rest of the time?" And and again, I'm not trying to just Bible and again, I'm not trying to just Bible and again, I'm not trying to just Bible bash everybody in the room, but there is bash everybody in the room, but there is bash everybody in the room, but there is real implication on the line for us. How real implication on the line for us. How real implication on the line for us. How much more would it mean if everybody in much more would it mean if everybody in much more would it mean if everybody in this church, if we didn't have just 300 this church, if we didn't have just 300 this church, if we didn't have just 300 volunteers for VBS, but we had 600 volunteers for VBS, but we had 600 volunteers for VBS, but we had 600 volunteers and we had 900 volunteers and volunteers and we had 900 volunteers and volunteers and we had 900 volunteers and they continue to grow because ultimately they continue to grow because ultimately they continue to grow because ultimately we have a commitment to the cause and we have a commitment to the cause and we have a commitment to the cause and that is exercised by being committed to that is exercised by being committed to that is exercised by being committed to labor and committed to suffer. friends, labor and committed to suffer. friends, labor and committed to suffer. friends, are you willing to suffer for the name are you willing to suffer for the name are you willing to suffer for the name of Jesus? Whether great or small, are of Jesus? Whether great or small, are of Jesus? Whether great or small, are you willing to do that?

you willing to do that? you willing to do that? We'd love to pray with you. We'd love to We'd love to pray with you. We'd love to We'd love to pray with you. We'd love to talk through this with you this morning. talk through this with you this morning. talk through this with you this morning. I'll pray. We're going to have pastors I'll pray. We're going to have pastors I'll pray. We're going to have pastors down front and then we'll uh we'll be down front and then we'll uh we'll be down front and then we'll uh we'll be done this morning. So, Father, thank you done this morning. So, Father, thank you done this morning. So, Father, thank you so much for the opportunity of knowing so much for the opportunity of knowing so much for the opportunity of knowing you, God, for for your son who came to you, God, for for your son who came to you, God, for for your son who came to die on a cross for us, God, for this die on a cross for us, God, for this die on a cross for us, God, for this cause that we have to make you magnified cause that we have to make you magnified cause that we have to make you magnified and known above all else. God, I pray and known above all else. God, I pray and known above all else. God, I pray that that that is the the the the mantra that that that is the the the the mantra that that that is the the the the mantra of our lives. That that is the goal of of our lives. That that is the goal of of our lives. That that is the goal of our lives. That all of us in here that our lives. That all of us in here that our lives. That all of us in here that we would seek we would seek we would seek to make you known to exalt the name of to make you known to exalt the name of to make you known to exalt the name of Jesus. And that we would do that through Jesus. And that we would do that through Jesus. And that we would do that through laboring for your believers, for your laboring for your believers, for your laboring for your believers, for your church, but God also to suffer and church, but God also to suffer and church, but God also to suffer and denying ourselves of the desires and the denying ourselves of the desires and the denying ourselves of the desires and the pleasures of our flesh, but that we pleasures of our flesh, but that we pleasures of our flesh, but that we would pursue you above all else. God, I would pursue you above all else. God, I would pursue you above all else. God, I pray that that is true for us this pray that that is true for us this pray that that is true for us this morning. God, I pray that if there if morning. God, I pray that if there if morning. God, I pray that if there if there is someone in here wrestling with there is someone in here wrestling with there is someone in here wrestling with that, Lord, would you uh would you give that, Lord, would you uh would you give that, Lord, would you uh would you give them peace? Would you relieve them of them peace? Would you relieve them of them peace? Would you relieve them of this? God, would you draw them to you so this? God, would you draw them to you so this? God, would you draw them to you so they so that they may know you and they so that they may know you and they so that they may know you and relish and revel in the fact that you relish and revel in the fact that you relish and revel in the fact that you have died for us and you've given us a have died for us and you've given us a have died for us and you've given us a reason to say to live is great, but to reason to say to live is great, but to reason to say to live is great, but to die is even greater. So, Father, we ask die is even greater. So, Father, we ask die is even greater. So, Father, we ask this all in your precious and holy name.

this all in your precious and holy name. this all in your precious and holy name. [music] Amen. >> Thank you for joining us this morning. >> Thank you for joining us this morning. If God spoke to you today, take the next If God spoke to you today, take the next If God spoke to you today, take the next faithful [music] step by texting ready faithful [music] step by texting ready faithful [music] step by texting ready to 870-9351950. We will get in touch with you as soon as We will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We're thankful you've joined possible. We're thankful you've joined possible. We're thankful you've joined us this morning. We [music] believe us this morning. We [music] believe us this morning. We [music] believe God's plan is for every believer to be God's plan is for every believer to be God's plan is for every believer to be involved with a local church. So, come involved with a local church. So, come involved with a local church. So, come be a part of what God is doing here at be a part of what God is doing here at be a part of what God is doing here at Central or in a local [music] church Central or in a local [music] church Central or in a local [music] church near you. God bless and have a great near you. God bless and have a great near you. God bless and have a great day. Because you [music] are alive. Jesus, Because you [music] are alive. Jesus, you are alive.