Everyday Joy - HOW TO FAITHFULLY SERVE CHRIST - Dr. Archie Mason

Hey, good morning again. Welcome here to Hey, good morning again. Welcome here to Central Baptist Church. If you're Central Baptist Church. If you're Central Baptist Church. If you're visiting with us uh for the first time, visiting with us uh for the first time, visiting with us uh for the first time, if I hadn't met you, my name is Archie if I hadn't met you, my name is Archie if I hadn't met you, my name is Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor. Also know Mason. I'm a senior pastor. Also know Mason. I'm a senior pastor. Also know that we got a lot of folks that are that we got a lot of folks that are that we got a lot of folks that are traveling. Some are having to work traveling. Some are having to work traveling. Some are having to work today, some are out, but you may be today, some are out, but you may be today, some are out, but you may be joining us uh live streaming uh or by joining us uh live streaming uh or by joining us uh live streaming uh or by television. So, good morning to all. television. So, good morning to all. television. So, good morning to all. Glad that you are able to be with us Glad that you are able to be with us Glad that you are able to be with us today. Let's take our Bibles. Go ahead today. Let's take our Bibles. Go ahead today. Let's take our Bibles. Go ahead and turn to the book of Philippians. You and turn to the book of Philippians. You and turn to the book of Philippians. You may have your Bible on your phone. We're may have your Bible on your phone. We're may have your Bible on your phone. We're going to be in chapter 2. We're going to going to be in chapter 2. We're going to going to be in chapter 2. We're going to pick up in verse 19. Uh we're going to pick up in verse 19. Uh we're going to pick up in verse 19. Uh we're going to work down through about verse 30. And work down through about verse 30. And work down through about verse 30. And the title today is how to serve Christ the title today is how to serve Christ the title today is how to serve Christ faithfully. How to serve Christ faithfully. How to serve Christ faithfully. How to serve Christ faithfully. Now, I'm going to put an old faithfully. Now, I'm going to put an old faithfully. Now, I'm going to put an old guy up on the screen that's been dead guy up on the screen that's been dead guy up on the screen that's been dead for a number of years. Okay. Now, some for a number of years. Okay. Now, some for a number of years. Okay. Now, some of you may not know uh who this person of you may not know uh who this person of you may not know uh who this person is, but some of the older folks in the is, but some of the older folks in the is, but some of the older folks in the room, some of the older folks may be room, some of the older folks may be room, some of the older folks may be watching by television have heard of watching by television have heard of watching by television have heard of Dwight El Moody. Dwight El Moody, if we Dwight El Moody. Dwight El Moody, if we Dwight El Moody. Dwight El Moody, if we can say in Christian circles, was pretty can say in Christian circles, was pretty can say in Christian circles, was pretty famous. And when I mean famous, he was famous. And when I mean famous, he was famous. And when I mean famous, he was an evangelist. He led thousands upon an evangelist. He led thousands upon an evangelist. He led thousands upon thousands of people uh to Christ. He thousands of people uh to Christ. He thousands of people uh to Christ. He preached evangelistic uh crusades in the preached evangelistic uh crusades in the preached evangelistic uh crusades in the US and also in the UK. Someone said tens US and also in the UK. Someone said tens US and also in the UK. Someone said tens of millions of people that he preached of millions of people that he preached of millions of people that he preached to. In fact, if you look in some of the to. In fact, if you look in some of the to. In fact, if you look in some of the I believe the biographies, I believe the biographies, I believe the biographies, autobiographies of like uh Dr.

autobiographies of like uh Dr. autobiographies of like uh Dr. uh Billy Graham or Billy Sunday or they uh Billy Graham or Billy Sunday or they uh Billy Graham or Billy Sunday or they would say that Dwight El Moody was kind would say that Dwight El Moody was kind would say that Dwight El Moody was kind of responsible for the idea of these of responsible for the idea of these of responsible for the idea of these large evangelistic crusades and I I was large evangelistic crusades and I I was large evangelistic crusades and I I was unaware of that uh myself. He started unaware of that uh myself. He started unaware of that uh myself. He started the Moody Church which is still going on the Moody Church which is still going on the Moody Church which is still going on in Chicago uh today. Dr. Philip Miller in Chicago uh today. Dr. Philip Miller in Chicago uh today. Dr. Philip Miller is a pastor. Irwin Looter, some of you is a pastor. Irwin Looter, some of you is a pastor. Irwin Looter, some of you may know I've read some of the books or may know I've read some of the books or may know I've read some of the books or some of the articles he's written was a some of the articles he's written was a some of the articles he's written was a former pastor there. He's pastor former pastor there. He's pastor former pastor there. He's pastor emmeritus. Uh Dwight El Moody started emmeritus. Uh Dwight El Moody started emmeritus. Uh Dwight El Moody started stuff like the Moody Institute, the uh stuff like the Moody Institute, the uh stuff like the Moody Institute, the uh Bible conferences. There were schools he Bible conferences. There were schools he Bible conferences. There were schools he started uh and he was known to to preach started uh and he was known to to preach started uh and he was known to to preach the gospel just to ordinary folks. And the gospel just to ordinary folks. And the gospel just to ordinary folks. And what that means is he wasn't like what that means is he wasn't like what that means is he wasn't like preaching over our heads or something preaching over our heads or something preaching over our heads or something like that. Just used regular ordinary like that. Just used regular ordinary like that. Just used regular ordinary language led a lot of people to Christ. language led a lot of people to Christ. language led a lot of people to Christ. So again, I know some of you don't So again, I know some of you don't So again, I know some of you don't didn't have opportunity to study like didn't have opportunity to study like didn't have opportunity to study like church history or maybe didn't grow up church history or maybe didn't grow up church history or maybe didn't grow up in a church ever mention that. You may in a church ever mention that. You may in a church ever mention that. You may not know who the old guy is who's been not know who the old guy is who's been not know who the old guy is who's been dead for a number of years, but he was dead for a number of years, but he was dead for a number of years, but he was quite a big name and is responsible for quite a big name and is responsible for quite a big name and is responsible for a lot of leaders today that we have, but a lot of leaders today that we have, but a lot of leaders today that we have, but there is a guy named Edward Kimell.

there is a guy named Edward Kimell. there is a guy named Edward Kimell. Nobody really knows who he was except Nobody really knows who he was except Nobody really knows who he was except that Edward Kimell was just ordinary guy that Edward Kimell was just ordinary guy that Edward Kimell was just ordinary guy who had an ordinary job like a lot of who had an ordinary job like a lot of who had an ordinary job like a lot of us, just worked uh through the week, but us, just worked uh through the week, but us, just worked uh through the week, but he had a love for the Lord Jesus Christ he had a love for the Lord Jesus Christ he had a love for the Lord Jesus Christ and he had a love for teenagers. Now, I and he had a love for teenagers. Now, I and he had a love for teenagers. Now, I know I look across this room, there's know I look across this room, there's know I look across this room, there's some of you, many of you that have some of you, many of you that have some of you, many of you that have served in teenage ministry. And when I served in teenage ministry. And when I served in teenage ministry. And when I mean that, you've taught groups. You mean that, you've taught groups. You mean that, you've taught groups. You you've had a heart for them because you you've had a heart for them because you you've had a heart for them because you know that for teenagers and especially know that for teenagers and especially know that for teenagers and especially when you get to 18, 21 uh years of age when you get to 18, 21 uh years of age when you get to 18, 21 uh years of age also that you make decisions in those also that you make decisions in those also that you make decisions in those years that affect the rest of your life. years that affect the rest of your life. years that affect the rest of your life. Now, all ages are critical, but that's a Now, all ages are critical, but that's a Now, all ages are critical, but that's a very critical age. So, there's some of very critical age. So, there's some of very critical age. So, there's some of you here that have a heart uh for you here that have a heart uh for you here that have a heart uh for teenagers, have a heart for middle teenagers, have a heart for middle teenagers, have a heart for middle school ministry, have a heart for uh school ministry, have a heart for uh school ministry, have a heart for uh older adults, 18 to 20 years old, stuff older adults, 18 to 20 years old, stuff older adults, 18 to 20 years old, stuff like that. And so, this guy, Aver like that. And so, this guy, Aver like that. And so, this guy, Aver Kimmel, he he was that kind of guy, Kimmel, he he was that kind of guy, Kimmel, he he was that kind of guy, ordinary guy, ordinary job uh in a local ordinary guy, ordinary job uh in a local ordinary guy, ordinary job uh in a local church, but he had a heart for young church, but he had a heart for young church, but he had a heart for young men. And so, found out Dwight El Moody men. And so, found out Dwight El Moody men. And so, found out Dwight El Moody is working at a shoe store. And so, he is working at a shoe store. And so, he is working at a shoe store. And so, he walked to the shoe store, which I know walked to the shoe store, which I know walked to the shoe store, which I know folks walk today, but they probably folks walk today, but they probably folks walk today, but they probably walked a whole lot more back then. and walked a whole lot more back then. and walked a whole lot more back then. and he walked to this the shoe store and he he walked to this the shoe store and he he walked to this the shoe store and he shared Christ with Dwight El Moody. You shared Christ with Dwight El Moody. You shared Christ with Dwight El Moody. You may have never ever heard of his name, may have never ever heard of his name, may have never ever heard of his name, but let me help you understand but let me help you understand but let me help you understand something. The greatest Christians in something. The greatest Christians in something. The greatest Christians in all of history are rarely visible.

all of history are rarely visible. all of history are rarely visible. Let me say that one more time. You see, Let me say that one more time. You see, Let me say that one more time. You see, we know the names of people like Billy Sunday and Billy Graham, but you Billy Sunday and Billy Graham, but you don't recognize Morai Ham, who was don't recognize Morai Ham, who was don't recognize Morai Ham, who was preaching at that point. You don't preaching at that point. You don't preaching at that point. You don't recognize folks in the church who were recognize folks in the church who were recognize folks in the church who were serving when Billy Graham came in. The serving when Billy Graham came in. The serving when Billy Graham came in. The greatest Christians are rarely visible. greatest Christians are rarely visible. greatest Christians are rarely visible. In God's kingdom, it's not about your In God's kingdom, it's not about your In God's kingdom, it's not about your title and it's not about the position title and it's not about the position title and it's not about the position you hold. It's about your faithfulness. you hold. It's about your faithfulness. you hold. It's about your faithfulness. See, it's not about a position. is not See, it's not about a position. is not See, it's not about a position. is not about a time. And again, let me say it about a time. And again, let me say it about a time. And again, let me say it one more time. The greatest Christians one more time. The greatest Christians one more time. The greatest Christians are rarely visible. You don't know who are rarely visible. You don't know who are rarely visible. You don't know who they are, but God knows. So, we're at a they are, but God knows. So, we're at a they are, but God knows. So, we're at a point in the book of Philippians where point in the book of Philippians where point in the book of Philippians where Paul's right in the church of Philippi. Paul's right in the church of Philippi. Paul's right in the church of Philippi. And last week, if you were here, we've And last week, if you were here, we've And last week, if you were here, we've had a lot of commands. Like, remember had a lot of commands. Like, remember had a lot of commands. Like, remember last week, do not grumble or complain. last week, do not grumble or complain. last week, do not grumble or complain. Anybody fail this past week? You need to Anybody fail this past week? You need to Anybody fail this past week? You need to confess. Okay, now just jump. Okay, I confess. Okay, now just jump. Okay, I confess. Okay, now just jump. Okay, I saw hands. We all have. Well, this saw hands. We all have. Well, this saw hands. We all have. Well, this week's a little different. this week. He week's a little different. this week. He week's a little different. this week. He says, "Hey, if you want to serve Christ says, "Hey, if you want to serve Christ says, "Hey, if you want to serve Christ faithfully and you know how to do it," faithfully and you know how to do it," faithfully and you know how to do it," he says, "I'm going to give you the he says, "I'm going to give you the he says, "I'm going to give you the names and some descriptions of two names and some descriptions of two names and some descriptions of two ordinary guys, Timothy and Apapraditis."

ordinary guys, Timothy and Apapraditis." ordinary guys, Timothy and Apapraditis." So, a lot of people know the wide elm So, a lot of people know the wide elm So, a lot of people know the wide elm movie, but Timothy was what is known as movie, but Timothy was what is known as movie, but Timothy was what is known as a second chair leader. You know, if a second chair leader. You know, if a second chair leader. You know, if you're in business today and it's an you're in business today and it's an you're in business today and it's an effective business and it works well and effective business and it works well and effective business and it works well and you have business principles, do you you have business principles, do you you have business principles, do you realize and understand that if not all realize and understand that if not all realize and understand that if not all uh but most of those business principles uh but most of those business principles uh but most of those business principles are built on Christian principles found are built on Christian principles found are built on Christian principles found in the Bible? And do you realize if in the Bible? And do you realize if in the Bible? And do you realize if you're in business today and you serve you're in business today and you serve you're in business today and you serve as a second chair or third chair or as a second chair or third chair or as a second chair or third chair or fourth chair, which means you're not the fourth chair, which means you're not the fourth chair, which means you're not the man or you're not the woman, you're not man or you're not the woman, you're not man or you're not the woman, you're not the main leader. Do you realize there the main leader. Do you realize there the main leader. Do you realize there are business principles that come out of are business principles that come out of are business principles that come out of this about Timothy that apply to your this about Timothy that apply to your this about Timothy that apply to your life today? Timothy was a second chair life today? Timothy was a second chair life today? Timothy was a second chair leader. Timothy was a guy his mama was a leader. Timothy was a guy his mama was a leader. Timothy was a guy his mama was a Jew and his daddy was a Greek. He comes Jew and his daddy was a Greek. He comes Jew and his daddy was a Greek. He comes out of a kind of a different background out of a kind of a different background out of a kind of a different background family and he had a great-grandmother family and he had a great-grandmother family and he had a great-grandmother and a mother who taught him Old Testic and a mother who taught him Old Testic and a mother who taught him Old Testic scriptures. And Paul led Timothy to scriptures. And Paul led Timothy to scriptures. And Paul led Timothy to Christ. In fact, calls him a son of Christ. In fact, calls him a son of Christ. In fact, calls him a son of faith. He's kind of like an apprentice. faith. He's kind of like an apprentice. faith. He's kind of like an apprentice. And so in fact, and he was in fact was a And so in fact, and he was in fact was a And so in fact, and he was in fact was a part of Paul's writings, I believe in part of Paul's writings, I believe in part of Paul's writings, I believe in about seven different uh writings that about seven different uh writings that about seven different uh writings that he had. He was sent to about three or he had. He was sent to about three or he had. He was sent to about three or four different churches. I mean, Paul, four different churches. I mean, Paul, four different churches. I mean, Paul, so he's just a guy who was a second so he's just a guy who was a second so he's just a guy who was a second chair who was responsible for trying to chair who was responsible for trying to chair who was responsible for trying to make Paul as effective as he could make Paul as effective as he could make Paul as effective as he could possibly be. It's a great passage we see possibly be. It's a great passage we see possibly be. It's a great passage we see in scripture. But Apaproditis, just a in scripture. But Apaproditis, just a in scripture. But Apaproditis, just a regular guy who was a messenger of the regular guy who was a messenger of the regular guy who was a messenger of the church at Philippi that was sent to Rome church at Philippi that was sent to Rome church at Philippi that was sent to Rome while Paul was in prison to minister to while Paul was in prison to minister to while Paul was in prison to minister to him. And in the process, he almost dies.

him. And in the process, he almost dies. him. And in the process, he almost dies. And Paul says, "Hey, you know what? And Paul says, "Hey, you know what? And Paul says, "Hey, you know what? You want to serve Christ faithfully?" He You want to serve Christ faithfully?" He You want to serve Christ faithfully?" He says, "Look at these two men. You see says, "Look at these two men. You see says, "Look at these two men. You see that's a passionate and what do we see? that's a passionate and what do we see? that's a passionate and what do we see? We see out of Timothy heart which we see We see out of Timothy heart which we see We see out of Timothy heart which we see a selfless here devotion unto the Lord a selfless here devotion unto the Lord a selfless here devotion unto the Lord and out of paproditis what we see is and out of paproditis what we see is and out of paproditis what we see is sacrificial commitment and we can learn sacrificial commitment and we can learn sacrificial commitment and we can learn from both them day. I pray today this is from both them day. I pray today this is from both them day. I pray today this is not a sermon uh it's not a message to not a sermon uh it's not a message to not a sermon uh it's not a message to make us feel guilty because of something make us feel guilty because of something make us feel guilty because of something but it's a message to really stir our but it's a message to really stir our but it's a message to really stir our hearts about serving the Lord. Hey, if hearts about serving the Lord. Hey, if hearts about serving the Lord. Hey, if you're able would you stand with me for you're able would you stand with me for you're able would you stand with me for the public reading. I'm going to pick up the public reading. I'm going to pick up the public reading. I'm going to pick up in verse 19. He says but I hope in the in verse 19. He says but I hope in the in verse 19. He says but I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly. So that I also may be shortly. So that I also may be shortly. So that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your encouraged when I learn of your encouraged when I learn of your condition. Now this is very strong condition. Now this is very strong condition. Now this is very strong language right here. Verse 20. For I language right here. Verse 20. For I language right here. Verse 20. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who have no one else of kindred spirit who have no one else of kindred spirit who would gently be concerned about your would gently be concerned about your would gently be concerned about your welfare. He said of all the people know welfare. He said of all the people know welfare. He said of all the people know I don't know of anybody who will care I don't know of anybody who will care I don't know of anybody who will care for you more than Timothy. That's a big for you more than Timothy. That's a big for you more than Timothy. That's a big deal. And he says for the rest of the deal. And he says for the rest of the deal. And he says for the rest of the folks he said they all seek after their folks he said they all seek after their folks he said they all seek after their own interest not those in Christ Jesus own interest not those in Christ Jesus own interest not those in Christ Jesus or of Christ Jesus. But you know of his or of Christ Jesus. But you know of his or of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven work that he served with me in proven work that he served with me in proven work that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a the furtherance of the gospel like a the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. It's what we child serving his father. It's what we child serving his father. It's what we call second chair, second chair leader.

call second chair, second chair leader. call second chair, second chair leader. Therefore, I hope to send him Therefore, I hope to send him Therefore, I hope to send him immediately as soon as I see how things immediately as soon as I see how things immediately as soon as I see how things go with me. And I trust in the Lord that go with me. And I trust in the Lord that go with me. And I trust in the Lord that I myself will also be coming shortly. I myself will also be coming shortly. I myself will also be coming shortly. But I thought it necessary to send to But I thought it necessary to send to But I thought it necessary to send to you Apaproditis, my brother, fellow you Apaproditis, my brother, fellow you Apaproditis, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier who is also your worker, fellow soldier who is also your worker, fellow soldier who is also your messenger and minister to my need messenger and minister to my need messenger and minister to my need because he was longing for you all and because he was longing for you all and because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard was distressed because you had heard was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was sick to that he was sick. Indeed, he was sick to that he was sick. Indeed, he was sick to the point of death. But God had mercy on the point of death. But God had mercy on the point of death. But God had mercy on him, and not on him, but also on me, so him, and not on him, but also on me, so him, and not on him, but also on me, so that I'd not have sorrow upon Saul. He's that I'd not have sorrow upon Saul. He's that I'd not have sorrow upon Saul. He's like, he almost died. I'm glad he didn't like, he almost died. I'm glad he didn't like, he almost died. I'm glad he didn't die. That's what Paul said. Therefore, I die. That's what Paul said. Therefore, I die. That's what Paul said. Therefore, I have sent him all the more eagerly, so have sent him all the more eagerly, so have sent him all the more eagerly, so that you when you see him again, you may that you when you see him again, you may that you when you see him again, you may rejoice, and I may be less concerned rejoice, and I may be less concerned rejoice, and I may be less concerned about you. Receive him in the Lord with about you. Receive him in the Lord with about you. Receive him in the Lord with all joy. Hold men like him all joy. Hold men like him all joy. Hold men like him in high regard. This is the inspired in high regard. This is the inspired in high regard. This is the inspired word of God. He said, "Hold men like him word of God. He said, "Hold men like him word of God. He said, "Hold men like him in high regard." because he came close in high regard." because he came close in high regard." because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking to death for the work of Christ, risking to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what's was his life to complete what's was his life to complete what's was deficient uh in your service to me. deficient uh in your service to me. deficient uh in your service to me. Let's pray. Father, thank you. Thank you Let's pray. Father, thank you. Thank you Let's pray. Father, thank you. Thank you for breath in our lungs. Lord, we don't for breath in our lungs. Lord, we don't for breath in our lungs. Lord, we don't take for granted that you woke us up take for granted that you woke us up take for granted that you woke us up this morning and have us here. There are this morning and have us here. There are this morning and have us here. There are a lot of people today that they didn't a lot of people today that they didn't a lot of people today that they didn't wake up. They went into eternity. But wake up. They went into eternity. But wake up. They went into eternity. But Lord, we're here. And so, you got breath Lord, we're here. And so, you got breath Lord, we're here. And so, you got breath in our lungs, life. And so, Lord, here in our lungs, life. And so, Lord, here in our lungs, life. And so, Lord, here we are. I pray we worship you. Lord, we are. I pray we worship you. Lord, we are. I pray we worship you. Lord, teach us, disciple us, Lord. Not not teach us, disciple us, Lord. Not not teach us, disciple us, Lord. Not not that we walk at her say, "Man, I just that we walk at her say, "Man, I just that we walk at her say, "Man, I just feel so bad. I'm so terrible." No, but feel so bad. I'm so terrible." No, but feel so bad. I'm so terrible." No, but Lord, it's conviction where we've Lord, it's conviction where we've Lord, it's conviction where we've failed. I've had conviction over this failed. I've had conviction over this failed. I've had conviction over this passage. Lord, we repent and we go passage. Lord, we repent and we go passage. Lord, we repent and we go forward and we serve you. But Lord, also forward and we serve you. But Lord, also forward and we serve you. But Lord, also I pray today that you save someone.

I pray today that you save someone. I pray today that you save someone. Lord, I know across this room and I know Lord, I know across this room and I know Lord, I know across this room and I know being online, television, stuff, there being online, television, stuff, there being online, television, stuff, there are folks that don't have a relationship are folks that don't have a relationship are folks that don't have a relationship with you. Holy Spirit, touch hearts, with you. Holy Spirit, touch hearts, with you. Holy Spirit, touch hearts, draw people to yourself today. Uh Lord draw people to yourself today. Uh Lord draw people to yourself today. Uh Lord Jesus, save them. In your name we pray, Jesus, save them. In your name we pray, Jesus, save them. In your name we pray, the name of Christ. And all God's people the name of Christ. And all God's people the name of Christ. And all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Be seated if Thanks said, "Amen." Amen. Be seated if Thanks said, "Amen." Amen. Be seated if Thanks for standing for the public reading uh for standing for the public reading uh for standing for the public reading uh of scripture. So how do we how do we of scripture. So how do we how do we of scripture. So how do we how do we serve Christ faithfully? Well, first and serve Christ faithfully? Well, first and serve Christ faithfully? Well, first and foremost, we see this selfless devotion. foremost, we see this selfless devotion. foremost, we see this selfless devotion. This is this is Paul. So when he's This is this is Paul. So when he's This is this is Paul. So when he's writing about Timothy, so Paul writing writing about Timothy, so Paul writing writing about Timothy, so Paul writing to Timothy, writing to Philippi about to Timothy, writing to Philippi about to Timothy, writing to Philippi about Timothy, when he says he said, I'm going Timothy, when he says he said, I'm going Timothy, when he says he said, I'm going to send him to you. But he makes a to send him to you. But he makes a to send him to you. But he makes a statement. He says, I have no one else statement. He says, I have no one else statement. He says, I have no one else of kindred spirit. What he's saying, of kindred spirit. What he's saying, of kindred spirit. What he's saying, there's nobody else around me that's one there's nobody else around me that's one there's nobody else around me that's one heart, one soul with me like Timothy. heart, one soul with me like Timothy. heart, one soul with me like Timothy. Timothy is that son in the faith, that Timothy is that son in the faith, that Timothy is that son in the faith, that apprentice. This is a a big character apprentice. This is a a big character apprentice. This is a a big character description here of integrity of description here of integrity of description here of integrity of [clears throat] who Timothy is. He said [clears throat] who Timothy is. He said [clears throat] who Timothy is. He said we're kind of got the like mind and like we're kind of got the like mind and like we're kind of got the like mind and like heart. And he says for no one else of heart. And he says for no one else of heart. And he says for no one else of that kindred spirit who will generally that kindred spirit who will generally that kindred spirit who will generally be concerned about your welfare. Now I be concerned about your welfare. Now I be concerned about your welfare. Now I know I'm going to spend more time on know I'm going to spend more time on know I'm going to spend more time on this passage by Timothy. I will this passage by Timothy. I will this passage by Timothy. I will Apapraditis. They're both important. But Apapraditis. They're both important. But Apapraditis. They're both important. But this is a huge statement to the church.

this is a huge statement to the church. this is a huge statement to the church. So it it'd be like saying out of the So it it'd be like saying out of the So it it'd be like saying out of the church I pastor, I don't know of anybody church I pastor, I don't know of anybody church I pastor, I don't know of anybody else except this young man, Timothy that else except this young man, Timothy that else except this young man, Timothy that Timothy, I'm going to send him to you Timothy, I'm going to send him to you Timothy, I'm going to send him to you cuz he's the one that's going to be cuz he's the one that's going to be cuz he's the one that's going to be concerned about your welfare cuz anybody concerned about your welfare cuz anybody concerned about your welfare cuz anybody else I send are only worried about their else I send are only worried about their else I send are only worried about their self-interest. That is a brassy self-interest. That is a brassy self-interest. That is a brassy statement. But what it is, it's meant statement. But what it is, it's meant statement. But what it is, it's meant for the point to understand who Timothy for the point to understand who Timothy for the point to understand who Timothy was. That concern, that caring, that was. That concern, that caring, that was. That concern, that caring, that love uh for you that Timothy did not love uh for you that Timothy did not love uh for you that Timothy did not look at the ministry as a job. He looked look at the ministry as a job. He looked look at the ministry as a job. He looked at his opportunity to advance the at his opportunity to advance the at his opportunity to advance the gospel. So, how can we have that concern gospel. So, how can we have that concern gospel. So, how can we have that concern and that caring attitude? We're going to and that caring attitude? We're going to and that caring attitude? We're going to talk about, you know, not self-interest, talk about, you know, not self-interest, talk about, you know, not self-interest, but how can we be concerned and care for but how can we be concerned and care for but how can we be concerned and care for people in such a way? Let me just give people in such a way? Let me just give people in such a way? Let me just give you a few things. I've mentioned this you a few things. I've mentioned this you a few things. I've mentioned this before. Number one, in ministry and before. Number one, in ministry and before. Number one, in ministry and serving each other, there's what's known serving each other, there's what's known serving each other, there's what's known as the ministry of presence. It's as the ministry of presence. It's as the ministry of presence. It's presence. It's being there. It's just presence. It's being there. It's just presence. It's being there. It's just being there. You know, people in times being there. You know, people in times being there. You know, people in times of need and in times of grief, of need and in times of grief, of need and in times of grief, quite honestly, are not looking for quite honestly, are not looking for quite honestly, are not looking for perfect answers. I I've sat with perfect answers. I I've sat with perfect answers. I I've sat with families before and I said, "Here's families before and I said, "Here's families before and I said, "Here's what's going to happen in visitation."

what's going to happen in visitation." what's going to happen in visitation." They're going to be people come through They're going to be people come through They're going to be people come through that line and they're going to say that line and they're going to say that line and they're going to say squirrely stuff to you. And the families squirrely stuff to you. And the families squirrely stuff to you. And the families will look at me like, "What do you will look at me like, "What do you will look at me like, "What do you mean?" I said, "They're just going to mean?" I said, "They're just going to mean?" I said, "They're just going to start talking and they're going to talk start talking and they're going to talk start talking and they're going to talk in circles and they're going to say some in circles and they're going to say some in circles and they're going to say some of the most unbelievable stuff you ever of the most unbelievable stuff you ever of the most unbelievable stuff you ever heard in your life cuz they're just heard in your life cuz they're just heard in your life cuz they're just scared to death. don't know what to do scared to death. don't know what to do scared to death. don't know what to do because they think that they've got to because they think that they've got to because they think that they've got to say something. I said, "In fact, you're say something. I said, "In fact, you're say something. I said, "In fact, you're going to have to minister to them. going to have to minister to them. going to have to minister to them. You're going to have to tell them it's You're going to have to tell them it's You're going to have to tell them it's okay. I know where my husband is. I know okay. I know where my husband is. I know okay. I know where my husband is. I know my wife is with the Lord. I know my my wife is with the Lord. I know my my wife is with the Lord. I know my uncle is with. It's okay. God is in uncle is with. It's okay. God is in uncle is with. It's okay. God is in control." I said, "You're going to have control." I said, "You're going to have control." I said, "You're going to have to minister to them because people and to minister to them because people and to minister to them because people and and I'll tell you, I preached a lot of and I'll tell you, I preached a lot of and I'll tell you, I preached a lot of funeral sermons in my life." And and funeral sermons in my life." And and funeral sermons in my life." And and here's what I've learned. Very few here's what I've learned. Very few here's what I've learned. Very few people remember anything that I have people remember anything that I have people remember anything that I have said in a funeral sermon. And I know said in a funeral sermon. And I know said in a funeral sermon. And I know some of you can smile if you want to some of you can smile if you want to some of you can smile if you want to because you're thinking, "I don't even because you're thinking, "I don't even because you're thinking, "I don't even remember what you said last week." remember what you said last week." remember what you said last week." Right? So very few people remember they Right? So very few people remember they Right? So very few people remember they just know if I was there. just know if I was there. just know if I was there. It's a ministry of presence. It's a It's a ministry of presence. It's a It's a ministry of presence. It's a ministry of presence. You know, a lot of ministry of presence. You know, a lot of ministry of presence. You know, a lot of times if someone is and and look, we got times if someone is and and look, we got times if someone is and and look, we got a lot of pastors on our staff team and a lot of pastors on our staff team and a lot of pastors on our staff team and all of our campuses and we can't all be all of our campuses and we can't all be all of our campuses and we can't all be everywhere uh at one time and uh and everywhere uh at one time and uh and everywhere uh at one time and uh and that and but there'll be times I can't that and but there'll be times I can't that and but there'll be times I can't visit everybody and you know, nobody visit everybody and you know, nobody visit everybody and you know, nobody can. But there'll be times if I come to can. But there'll be times if I come to can. But there'll be times if I come to the hospital and you're going in for the hospital and you're going in for the hospital and you're going in for surgery. I know I'm the preacher and so surgery. I know I'm the preacher and so surgery. I know I'm the preacher and so wherever I go, I'm the dedic I'm the wherever I go, I'm the dedic I'm the wherever I go, I'm the dedic I'm the designated prayer. Y'all know that, designated prayer. Y'all know that, designated prayer. Y'all know that, right? And so, uh we got somebody say, right? And so, uh we got somebody say, right? And so, uh we got somebody say, "Brother Archie, would you pray for us?"

"Brother Archie, would you pray for us?" "Brother Archie, would you pray for us?" Oh, yeah. We'll gather up. And so, if Oh, yeah. We'll gather up. And so, if Oh, yeah. We'll gather up. And so, if you're going in for surgery, I'm going you're going in for surgery, I'm going you're going in for surgery, I'm going to tell you, I'm going to pray. I'm to tell you, I'm going to pray. I'm to tell you, I'm going to pray. I'm going to pray that the man or woman, the going to pray that the man or woman, the going to pray that the man or woman, the doctor doing your surgery gets a good doctor doing your surgery gets a good doctor doing your surgery gets a good night's rest. night's rest. night's rest. Don't you want your surgeon to be rested Don't you want your surgeon to be rested Don't you want your surgeon to be rested before they start cutting on you the before they start cutting on you the before they start cutting on you the next day? next day? next day? Are y'all in the same world I'm in? Are y'all in the same world I'm in? Are y'all in the same world I'm in? Really? You know, you say, "You pray Really? You know, you say, "You pray Really? You know, you say, "You pray that way?" Yeah. I'm going to pray for that way?" Yeah. I'm going to pray for that way?" Yeah. I'm going to pray for him. Get a good night's rest. That kind him. Get a good night's rest. That kind him. Get a good night's rest. That kind of stuff like that. I'm going to pray of stuff like that. I'm going to pray of stuff like that. I'm going to pray for God's anointing of his spirit. I'm for God's anointing of his spirit. I'm for God's anointing of his spirit. I'm going to pray for him to comfort you. going to pray for him to comfort you. going to pray for him to comfort you. I'm going to pray his presence. I'm I'm going to pray his presence. I'm I'm going to pray his presence. I'm going to pray for the nurses. I'm going going to pray for the nurses. I'm going going to pray for the nurses. I'm going to pray for all the technical folks to pray for all the technical folks to pray for all the technical folks involved. I'm pray all the stuff that involved. I'm pray all the stuff that involved. I'm pray all the stuff that goes on that I have no idea and goes on that I have no idea and goes on that I have no idea and understand anything about. I just going understand anything about. I just going understand anything about. I just going to pray for that. But I can tell you to pray for that. But I can tell you to pray for that. But I can tell you this, you will not remember anything I this, you will not remember anything I this, you will not remember anything I pray, but you will know whether I was pray, but you will know whether I was pray, but you will know whether I was there or not. It's a ministry of there or not. It's a ministry of there or not. It's a ministry of presence. You want to care for somebody. presence. You want to care for somebody. presence. You want to care for somebody. It's not having a perfect. Some of us It's not having a perfect. Some of us It's not having a perfect. Some of us are so afraid to go to someone in need are so afraid to go to someone in need are so afraid to go to someone in need because we're afraid we're not going to because we're afraid we're not going to because we're afraid we're not going to have the right words to say. It's not have the right words to say. It's not have the right words to say. It's not about your words. It's about your about your words. It's about your about your words. It's about your presence. presence. presence. That's the deal. When he said, he didn't That's the deal. When he said, he didn't That's the deal. When he said, he didn't say, "Timothy is going to come and line say, "Timothy is going to come and line say, "Timothy is going to come and line you'all out theologically and give you you'all out theologically and give you you'all out theologically and give you all the right answers and all this all the right answers and all this all the right answers and all this stuff." No, he said he's just coming stuff." No, he said he's just coming stuff." No, he said he's just coming because he's concerned about you and he because he's concerned about you and he because he's concerned about you and he loves you. People know whether you care loves you. People know whether you care loves you. People know whether you care or not. Let me give you a couple other or not. Let me give you a couple other or not. Let me give you a couple other things that's kind of real practical.

things that's kind of real practical. things that's kind of real practical. Listen before you speak. >> Really, have you ever had somebody you >> Really, have you ever had somebody you you listen before you speak? Because if you listen before you speak? Because if you listen before you speak? Because if you're selfish, you will dominate the you're selfish, you will dominate the you're selfish, you will dominate the conversation. conversation. conversation. But if you listen before you speak, so But if you listen before you speak, so But if you listen before you speak, so what it is, you know, you learn kind of what it is, you know, you learn kind of what it is, you know, you learn kind of how to ask the right questions like, how to ask the right questions like, how to ask the right questions like, "How are you doing?" And then you pause. "How are you doing?" And then you pause. "How are you doing?" And then you pause. Now, they may lie to you and say, "I'm Now, they may lie to you and say, "I'm Now, they may lie to you and say, "I'm fine." And then if you really want to fine." And then if you really want to fine." And then if you really want to dig in, you need to go, "Really?" Then dig in, you need to go, "Really?" Then dig in, you need to go, "Really?" Then they'll go, "No, I'm not." And you they'll go, "No, I'm not." And you they'll go, "No, I'm not." And you listen. It's the ministry of listening. listen. It's the ministry of listening. listen. It's the ministry of listening. It's a great act of love and caring. But It's a great act of love and caring. But It's a great act of love and caring. But have you ever somebody ask you how have you ever somebody ask you how have you ever somebody ask you how you're doing? And in your process and you're doing? And in your process and you're doing? And in your process and before you can say anything, they go, before you can say anything, they go, before you can say anything, they go, "Well, I'm not doing very good." "Well, I'm not doing very good." "Well, I'm not doing very good." Because if they say that, if they ask Because if they say that, if they ask Because if they say that, if they ask you a question, then it goes about them. you a question, then it goes about them. you a question, then it goes about them. It's about them and it's not about you. It's about them and it's not about you. It's about them and it's not about you. You see, this ministry of presence and You see, this ministry of presence and You see, this ministry of presence and the ministry of listening, listening is the ministry of listening, listening is the ministry of listening, listening is a big deal. Just listen to folks and do a big deal. Just listen to folks and do a big deal. Just listen to folks and do that. That's just very practical. Uh so that. That's just very practical. Uh so that. That's just very practical. Uh so listen before you speak. You know, uh a listen before you speak. You know, uh a listen before you speak. You know, uh a lot of times you will notice needs lot of times you will notice needs lot of times you will notice needs before you asked. I know this there's a before you asked. I know this there's a before you asked. I know this there's a lot of folks gathered in here and it's lot of folks gathered in here and it's lot of folks gathered in here and it's like any service. We're creatures of like any service. We're creatures of like any service. We're creatures of habit. I do the same thing but everybody habit. I do the same thing but everybody habit. I do the same thing but everybody I'm looking over here at these folks and I'm looking over here at these folks and I'm looking over here at these folks and I'm making eye contact. You sat in the I'm making eye contact. You sat in the I'm making eye contact. You sat in the same place all the time. So I kind of same place all the time. So I kind of same place all the time. So I kind of know where you are and I do the same know where you are and I do the same know where you are and I do the same thing in that. But you know you can a thing in that. But you know you can a thing in that. But you know you can a lot of times even as you tell someone's lot of times even as you tell someone's lot of times even as you tell someone's new if they never been here before you new if they never been here before you new if they never been here before you if you just have spiritual awareness if if you just have spiritual awareness if if you just have spiritual awareness if you're going to live with selfish you're going to live with selfish you're going to live with selfish devotion, you want to serve Christ devotion, you want to serve Christ devotion, you want to serve Christ faithfully. We have spiritual awareness faithfully. We have spiritual awareness faithfully. We have spiritual awareness of what's going on. uh just finding is

of what's going on. uh just finding is of what's going on. uh just finding is there someone in need? You know, it's there someone in need? You know, it's there someone in need? You know, it's really to show up at church on a Sunday really to show up at church on a Sunday really to show up at church on a Sunday or any time during the week. This is or any time during the week. This is or any time during the week. This is about living out Christian values, but about living out Christian values, but about living out Christian values, but show up and say it's not who is going to show up and say it's not who is going to show up and say it's not who is going to serve me, but it's who can I serve? It serve me, but it's who can I serve? It serve me, but it's who can I serve? It can just be in Christian awareness that can just be in Christian awareness that can just be in Christian awareness that paying attention. So, just kind of pray paying attention. So, just kind of pray paying attention. So, just kind of pray specifically for people. Uh give your specifically for people. Uh give your specifically for people. Uh give your time, meet practical needs, you know, time, meet practical needs, you know, time, meet practical needs, you know, we're going to have a we have a we're going to have a we have a we're going to have a we have a invitation here in a moment. You know, invitation here in a moment. You know, invitation here in a moment. You know, THIS IS DON'T let an invitation pass you THIS IS DON'T let an invitation pass you THIS IS DON'T let an invitation pass you by. There are some folks in here, they by. There are some folks in here, they by. There are some folks in here, they are eager to pray for you. I want to are eager to pray for you. I want to are eager to pray for you. I want to tell you, there's some prayer warriors tell you, there's some prayer warriors tell you, there's some prayer warriors in this room right here and they just in this room right here and they just in this room right here and they just want to pray for somebody. They have no want to pray for somebody. They have no want to pray for somebody. They have no idea. And you know what? There are folks idea. And you know what? There are folks idea. And you know what? There are folks in this room. I can make eye contact in this room. I can make eye contact in this room. I can make eye contact with with you right now. And when they with with you right now. And when they with with you right now. And when they pray, they like touch the hymn of pray, they like touch the hymn of pray, they like touch the hymn of heaven. I just want you to know that. heaven. I just want you to know that. heaven. I just want you to know that. But they don't know you need prayer But they don't know you need prayer But they don't know you need prayer unless you come and say like, "I need unless you come and say like, "I need unless you come and say like, "I need somebody to pray for me." It's a great somebody to pray for me." It's a great somebody to pray for me." It's a great opportunity. So, you know, be specific opportunity. So, you know, be specific opportunity. So, you know, be specific uh when you pray for folks and that. uh when you pray for folks and that. uh when you pray for folks and that. Give time. So, a lot of practical things Give time. So, a lot of practical things Give time. So, a lot of practical things is how you care. But also, too, here's is how you care. But also, too, here's is how you care. But also, too, here's what's interesting. I know I'm spending what's interesting. I know I'm spending what's interesting. I know I'm spending more time on Timothy, but he says, more time on Timothy, but he says, more time on Timothy, but he says, "Okay, I got somebody here that's "Okay, I got somebody here that's "Okay, I got somebody here that's concerned about you." He said, "For concerned about you." He said, "For concerned about you." He said, "For everybody else, they seek after their everybody else, they seek after their everybody else, they seek after their own interest and not those of Christ."

own interest and not those of Christ." own interest and not those of Christ." Interesting. Why would believers serve Interesting. Why would believers serve Interesting. Why would believers serve themselves instead of serving Christ? themselves instead of serving Christ? themselves instead of serving Christ? Now, this is where conviction comes. It Now, this is where conviction comes. It Now, this is where conviction comes. It comes for me. It comes for all of us. We comes for me. It comes for all of us. We comes for me. It comes for all of us. We can fall into this. Let me share a can fall into this. Let me share a can fall into this. Let me share a couple things with you, okay? couple things with you, okay? couple things with you, okay? We naturally drift towards self. Do you We naturally drift towards self. Do you We naturally drift towards self. Do you know our default is self-interest here? know our default is self-interest here? know our default is self-interest here? It it is it's a naturally drift towards It it is it's a naturally drift towards It it is it's a naturally drift towards self. So you got to kind of keep that in self. So you got to kind of keep that in self. So you got to kind of keep that in mind. We value comfort more than we mind. We value comfort more than we mind. We value comfort more than we value calling. We choose comfort instead value calling. We choose comfort instead value calling. We choose comfort instead of calling. That's how we get into of calling. That's how we get into of calling. That's how we get into self-interest in that. We uh seek self-interest in that. We uh seek self-interest in that. We uh seek recognition more than faithfulness recognition more than faithfulness recognition more than faithfulness because culture has taught us to build because culture has taught us to build because culture has taught us to build our own platforms. Now let me just speak our own platforms. Now let me just speak our own platforms. Now let me just speak from the realm of uh preaching and from the realm of uh preaching and from the realm of uh preaching and stuff. Today in social media there stuff. Today in social media there stuff. Today in social media there social media is like a neutral platform. social media is like a neutral platform. social media is like a neutral platform. It can be good or bad. So if you got It can be good or bad. So if you got It can be good or bad. So if you got Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, it can be Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, it can be Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, it can be good or bad. It can we use social media good or bad. It can we use social media good or bad. It can we use social media to pro advance the gospel when we do to pro advance the gospel when we do to pro advance the gospel when we do that. And so anyone can use social media that. And so anyone can use social media that. And so anyone can use social media in the right ways. I I believe that or in the right ways. I I believe that or in the right ways. I I believe that or it can be bad. It can go either way. But it can be bad. It can go either way. But it can be bad. It can go either way. But the deal is in the preaching ministry, the deal is in the preaching ministry, the deal is in the preaching ministry, if you don't watch it, you can get in a if you don't watch it, you can get in a if you don't watch it, you can get in a place where the only reason you're there place where the only reason you're there place where the only reason you're there is to advance your own platform and and is to advance your own platform and and is to advance your own platform and and so you want to build this following and so you want to build this following and so you want to build this following and you want to build this. There have been you want to build this. There have been you want to build this. There have been many times I sat with our pastors in a many times I sat with our pastors in a many times I sat with our pastors in a pastoral meeting uh each Monday at pastoral meeting uh each Monday at pastoral meeting uh each Monday at 10:00. We meet together. We call it the 10:00. We meet together. We call it the 10:00. We meet together. We call it the round square table because it's a round round square table because it's a round round square table because it's a round table, but it's really a square table.

table, but it's really a square table. table, but it's really a square table. But anyway, it doesn't make sense, but But anyway, it doesn't make sense, but But anyway, it doesn't make sense, but that's what we do. And so we talk about that's what we do. And so we talk about that's what we do. And so we talk about everything uh in there. And I've often everything uh in there. And I've often everything uh in there. And I've often said this, hey, we we got a couple uh said this, hey, we we got a couple uh said this, hey, we we got a couple uh pastor positions that we need to feel. pastor positions that we need to feel. pastor positions that we need to feel. And I'll say stuff like this. Here's And I'll say stuff like this. Here's And I'll say stuff like this. Here's what we need. We need someone who has a what we need. We need someone who has a what we need. We need someone who has a shepherd's heart. It is not just looking shepherd's heart. It is not just looking shepherd's heart. It is not just looking at Central as a stepping stone onto the at Central as a stepping stone onto the at Central as a stepping stone onto the next bigger church. And now because I next bigger church. And now because I next bigger church. And now because I deal in reality and I know God can pick deal in reality and I know God can pick deal in reality and I know God can pick anybody up and move them and do that. I anybody up and move them and do that. I anybody up and move them and do that. I know that. And God does that. And and know that. And God does that. And and know that. And God does that. And and that has happened here before. You know, that has happened here before. You know, that has happened here before. You know, God pulled me out of wind and brought me God pulled me out of wind and brought me God pulled me out of wind and brought me to Central. So, I I know that and to Central. So, I I know that and to Central. So, I I know that and realize that you got to know God's realize that you got to know God's realize that you got to know God's calling. But I also know in reality that calling. But I also know in reality that calling. But I also know in reality that preachers can be the worst of building preachers can be the worst of building preachers can be the worst of building their own platforms, of seeking their their own platforms, of seeking their their own platforms, of seeking their own recognition instead of their own own recognition instead of their own own recognition instead of their own faithfulness. You say, "Would you know faithfulness. You say, "Would you know faithfulness. You say, "Would you know of anybody uh particular?" Well, not of anybody uh particular?" Well, not of anybody uh particular?" Well, not really. I mean, I just know it can really. I mean, I just know it can really. I mean, I just know it can happen because it's sinful flesh and our happen because it's sinful flesh and our happen because it's sinful flesh and our default is self-interest. So, we can default is self-interest. So, we can default is self-interest. So, we can seek recognition more than faithfulness. seek recognition more than faithfulness. seek recognition more than faithfulness. We can become distracted by the We can become distracted by the We can become distracted by the temporary means we become concerned with temporary means we become concerned with temporary means we become concerned with careers and possessions and stuff.

careers and possessions and stuff. careers and possessions and stuff. Nothing wrong with careers or Nothing wrong with careers or Nothing wrong with careers or possessions or hobbies. But it's when possessions or hobbies. But it's when possessions or hobbies. But it's when they get in front of Christ is what the they get in front of Christ is what the they get in front of Christ is what the problem is. Uh we forget the mission. Uh problem is. Uh we forget the mission. Uh problem is. Uh we forget the mission. Uh we love the gifts more than the giver is we love the gifts more than the giver is we love the gifts more than the giver is what happens. And then we lose eternal what happens. And then we lose eternal what happens. And then we lose eternal perspective. We begin to really love perspective. We begin to really love perspective. We begin to really love ourselves more than we love a church. So ourselves more than we love a church. So ourselves more than we love a church. So he says that's why this such a fantastic he says that's why this such a fantastic he says that's why this such a fantastic statement. He says, "I'm sending Timothy statement. He says, "I'm sending Timothy statement. He says, "I'm sending Timothy to you because we're we're of same to you because we're we're of same to you because we're we're of same heart. He's concerned about you. heart. He's concerned about you. heart. He's concerned about you. Everybody else is going to look after Everybody else is going to look after Everybody else is going to look after their own self-interest." He says, "He their own self-interest." He says, "He their own self-interest." He says, "He has proven his faithfulness to you." has proven his faithfulness to you." has proven his faithfulness to you." You've seen it. You watch his integrity. You've seen it. You watch his integrity. You've seen it. You watch his integrity. And then he says this. He says, "He has And then he says this. He says, "He has And then he says this. He says, "He has served me like a child serves a father." served me like a child serves a father." served me like a child serves a father." Now, this is what I call second chair Now, this is what I call second chair Now, this is what I call second chair leadership right here. Very important in leadership right here. Very important in leadership right here. Very important in a business principle. And there's a lot a business principle. And there's a lot a business principle. And there's a lot of stuff you can get out here today, but of stuff you can get out here today, but of stuff you can get out here today, but as a businessman or businesswoman, this as a businessman or businesswoman, this as a businessman or businesswoman, this probably one of these principles you probably one of these principles you probably one of these principles you need to kind of take hold of. The second need to kind of take hold of. The second need to kind of take hold of. The second chair always supports the mission. chair always supports the mission. chair always supports the mission. Timothy wasn't building his ministry. He Timothy wasn't building his ministry. He Timothy wasn't building his ministry. He was advancing the gospel. And the second was advancing the gospel. And the second was advancing the gospel. And the second chair understands the mission is bigger chair understands the mission is bigger chair understands the mission is bigger than they are in that. Let me give you than they are in that. Let me give you than they are in that. Let me give you another one. The second chair shares the another one. The second chair shares the another one. The second chair shares the same heart. So, a healthy church same heart. So, a healthy church same heart. So, a healthy church flourishes when the lay folks and the flourishes when the lay folks and the flourishes when the lay folks and the leadership are on the same heart. Let me leadership are on the same heart. Let me leadership are on the same heart. Let me just give you a word of just I want to just give you a word of just I want to just give you a word of just I want to say praise the Lord for what God has say praise the Lord for what God has say praise the Lord for what God has done at Central. There are a lot of done at Central. There are a lot of done at Central. There are a lot of pastors today that probably stand where pastors today that probably stand where pastors today that probably stand where I'm standing and talk about church I'm standing and talk about church I'm standing and talk about church planning because these are the buzzwords planning because these are the buzzwords planning because these are the buzzwords out there. They talk about campuses cuz out there. They talk about campuses cuz out there. They talk about campuses cuz they're the buzzword. But they can never they're the buzzword. But they can never they're the buzzword. But they can never put that in action because the church

put that in action because the church put that in action because the church folks are not for it. They never put it folks are not for it. They never put it folks are not for it. They never put it in action because the church folks won't in action because the church folks won't in action because the church folks won't know, well, what if? What if that know, well, what if? What if that know, well, what if? What if that doesn't work? or what if we spend this doesn't work? or what if we spend this doesn't work? or what if we spend this money or what if we do this and we fail money or what if we do this and we fail money or what if we do this and we fail because what happens a lot of times because what happens a lot of times because what happens a lot of times we're more afraid of failure than we are we're more afraid of failure than we are we're more afraid of failure than we are of anything and fear keeps us from of anything and fear keeps us from of anything and fear keeps us from advancing the gospel. That's how Satan advancing the gospel. That's how Satan advancing the gospel. That's how Satan wins. But man, I also here at Central, wins. But man, I also here at Central, wins. But man, I also here at Central, praise God. Hallelujah. You got a praise God. Hallelujah. You got a praise God. Hallelujah. You got a Colombian camps. They got 132 kids up Colombian camps. They got 132 kids up Colombian camps. They got 132 kids up there. Vacation Bible School raised over there. Vacation Bible School raised over there. Vacation Bible School raised over $40,000. Those kids do not have any $40,000. Those kids do not have any $40,000. Those kids do not have any money. Do you realize that? Do y'all not money. Do you realize that? Do y'all not money. Do you realize that? Do y'all not think that's interesting? You say, you think that's interesting? You say, you think that's interesting? You say, you know, it's a parents and a grandparents. know, it's a parents and a grandparents. know, it's a parents and a grandparents. $45,000 to have a soccer camp has 132 $45,000 to have a soccer camp has 132 $45,000 to have a soccer camp has 132 kids in it and somebody is going to be kids in it and somebody is going to be kids in it and somebody is going to be saved in Columbia, Missouri just because saved in Columbia, Missouri just because saved in Columbia, Missouri just because of that. And a fully funded campus, of that. And a fully funded campus, of that. And a fully funded campus, that's the craziest stuff you ever hear. that's the craziest stuff you ever hear. that's the craziest stuff you ever hear. You can't make that stuff up because You can't make that stuff up because You can't make that stuff up because it's a God thing. THAT'S WHY IT'S A GOD it's a God thing. THAT'S WHY IT'S A GOD it's a God thing. THAT'S WHY IT'S A GOD THING. And so you you see this here. So THING. And so you you see this here. So THING. And so you you see this here. So again, you know that second chair, they again, you know that second chair, they again, you know that second chair, they share the same heart. The church of Le share the same heart. The church of Le share the same heart. The church of Le here's here's another one. The second here's here's another one. The second here's here's another one. The second chair leader makes the leader better.

chair leader makes the leader better. chair leader makes the leader better. And so what it is, you serve in that And so what it is, you serve in that And so what it is, you serve in that second chair, the point of this, that's second chair, the point of this, that's second chair, the point of this, that's where Timothy was. Uh he made Paul where Timothy was. Uh he made Paul where Timothy was. Uh he made Paul better. He allowed Paul to be more better. He allowed Paul to be more better. He allowed Paul to be more efficient and it multiplied the efficient and it multiplied the efficient and it multiplied the effectiveness of that. So I served uh in effectiveness of that. So I served uh in effectiveness of that. So I served uh in a previous church. I was in I was in the a previous church. I was in I was in the a previous church. I was in I was in the second chair, probably in third chair. I second chair, probably in third chair. I second chair, probably in third chair. I was probably fourth chair, but uh I was probably fourth chair, but uh I was probably fourth chair, but uh I served under Dr. Wes George. And Dr. served under Dr. Wes George. And Dr. served under Dr. Wes George. And Dr. George was a civil engineer by training. George was a civil engineer by training. George was a civil engineer by training. You know, you say, "What does that You know, you say, "What does that You know, you say, "What does that mean?" That means he was like really mean?" That means he was like really mean?" That means he was like really serious like all the time. and he's serious like all the time. and he's serious like all the time. and he's still serious all the time. And uh but still serious all the time. And uh but still serious all the time. And uh but he was a guy had his hand on the wheel. he was a guy had his hand on the wheel. he was a guy had his hand on the wheel. He drove the ship to say that as a He drove the ship to say that as a He drove the ship to say that as a leader and I want to tell you the rest leader and I want to tell you the rest leader and I want to tell you the rest of us, you know what we did? We sat in of us, you know what we did? We sat in of us, you know what we did? We sat in the back, drank diet coke and Dr. Pepper the back, drank diet coke and Dr. Pepper the back, drank diet coke and Dr. Pepper and had a party. That's what we did. You and had a party. That's what we did. You and had a party. That's what we did. You say, "What do you mean you had a party say, "What do you mean you had a party say, "What do you mean you had a party in the church?" I mean, he was a leader. in the church?" I mean, he was a leader. in the church?" I mean, he was a leader. I never had to worry about his I never had to worry about his I never had to worry about his preaching. I never had to worry about is preaching. I never had to worry about is preaching. I never had to worry about is he going to have an invitation because he going to have an invitation because he going to have an invitation because he was going to give one. I never had to he was going to give one. I never had to he was going to give one. I never had to worry about him theologically or worry about him theologically or worry about him theologically or teaching heresy because he was straight teaching heresy because he was straight teaching heresy because he was straight A conservative Bible believing preacher. A conservative Bible believing preacher. A conservative Bible believing preacher. I never had to worry about him not I never had to worry about him not I never had to worry about him not having my back as a staff member even having my back as a staff member even having my back as a staff member even though I was a little crazy and in though I was a little crazy and in though I was a little crazy and in seminary and stuff but he had my back. I seminary and stuff but he had my back. I seminary and stuff but he had my back. I never had to worry about him not never had to worry about him not never had to worry about him not teaching me or casting the vision. I teaching me or casting the vision. I teaching me or casting the vision. I never had to worry about where are we never had to worry about where are we never had to worry about where are we going cuz he had set the course and we going cuz he had set the course and we going cuz he had set the course and we sat in the back of the boat and had a sat in the back of the boat and had a sat in the back of the boat and had a big time. was so much fun big time. was so much fun big time. was so much fun and my job was to make him as effective and my job was to make him as effective and my job was to make him as effective as he could possibly be and I loved as he could possibly be and I loved as he could possibly be and I loved every bit of it. I asked him one time, I every bit of it. I asked him one time, I every bit of it. I asked him one time, I said, "Wes, uh, I said, "How am I going said, "Wes, uh, I said, "How am I going said, "Wes, uh, I said, "How am I going to know if I'm called to preach? How am to know if I'm called to preach? How am to know if I'm called to preach? How am I going to know if I'm called to be the

I going to know if I'm called to be the I going to know if I'm called to be the leader to put my hand on the steering leader to put my hand on the steering leader to put my hand on the steering wheel?" He said, "You'll know." wheel?" He said, "You'll know." wheel?" He said, "You'll know." Timothy, Timothy, Timothy, he was, yes, he a leader in what we read he was, yes, he a leader in what we read he was, yes, he a leader in what we read in scripture, but he was second chair. in scripture, but he was second chair. in scripture, but he was second chair. And so we see this in his integrity and And so we see this in his integrity and And so we see this in his integrity and his character. He was there to serve in his character. He was there to serve in his character. He was there to serve in such a way. So we see what is it called such a way. So we see what is it called such a way. So we see what is it called this selfless devotion. You see he gives this selfless devotion. You see he gives this selfless devotion. You see he gives a picture here of a man with heart but a picture here of a man with heart but a picture here of a man with heart but also now he gives a picture of a man also now he gives a picture of a man also now he gives a picture of a man that has sacrificial commitment. that has sacrificial commitment. that has sacrificial commitment. Apaphroditis how you pronounce his name. Apaphroditis how you pronounce his name. Apaphroditis how you pronounce his name. He was just a regular guy a leader in a He was just a regular guy a leader in a He was just a regular guy a leader in a church. And Paul launches in to all church. And Paul launches in to all church. And Paul launches in to all these statements about him. So real these statements about him. So real these statements about him. So real quick, let me just reiterate some of quick, let me just reiterate some of quick, let me just reiterate some of those. He said, "I got Apaproditis those. He said, "I got Apaproditis those. He said, "I got Apaproditis here." He said, "My brother," which here." He said, "My brother," which here." He said, "My brother," which means he loved the church. He was a means he loved the church. He was a means he loved the church. He was a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and love church. He was a member of the love church. He was a member of the love church. He was a member of the church of Philippi. They had sent him to church of Philippi. They had sent him to church of Philippi. They had sent him to minister to Paul while he's in prison, minister to Paul while he's in prison, minister to Paul while he's in prison, while he's chained up. They sent and while he's chained up. They sent and while he's chained up. They sent and they sent him with a financial gift. You they sent him with a financial gift. You they sent him with a financial gift. You know, you got to think about this. They know, you got to think about this. They know, you got to think about this. They picked him out of the crowd, a lay picked him out of the crowd, a lay picked him out of the crowd, a lay person with a regular job, okay? Because person with a regular job, okay? Because person with a regular job, okay? Because God uses ordinary people to do God uses ordinary people to do God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the kingdom of extraordinary things for the kingdom of extraordinary things for the kingdom of God through the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

God through the risen Lord Jesus Christ. God through the risen Lord Jesus Christ. They pick him out of the crowd. They he They pick him out of the crowd. They he They pick him out of the crowd. They he had he had integrity. Uh he couldn't had he had integrity. Uh he couldn't had he had integrity. Uh he couldn't they couldn't send a a woman because it they couldn't send a a woman because it they couldn't send a a woman because it was dangerous on the road. So he had was dangerous on the road. So he had was dangerous on the road. So he had this financial contribution and for the this financial contribution and for the this financial contribution and for the point of going. He was a man of point of going. He was a man of point of going. He was a man of humility. Uh he was a man. Paul says humility. Uh he was a man. Paul says humility. Uh he was a man. Paul says he's my brother. Okay? So he love a he's my brother. Okay? So he love a he's my brother. Okay? So he love a church. But then he says my fellow church. But then he says my fellow church. But then he says my fellow worker. Now, I look around at our worker. Now, I look around at our worker. Now, I look around at our pastoral staff and I can say of every pastoral staff and I can say of every pastoral staff and I can say of every one of them, they are a fellow worker one of them, they are a fellow worker one of them, they are a fellow worker with me. Now, here's what I mean by with me. Now, here's what I mean by with me. Now, here's what I mean by that. That means when it comes time to that. That means when it comes time to that. That means when it comes time to roll your sleeves up and get in the roll your sleeves up and get in the roll your sleeves up and get in the thick of it, they're there. Because if thick of it, they're there. Because if thick of it, they're there. Because if they're not there, let me just help you they're not there, let me just help you they're not there, let me just help you with this. They won't be here very long. with this. They won't be here very long. with this. They won't be here very long. Right. Right. You know, when you're the Right. Right. You know, when you're the Right. Right. You know, when you're the leader, when you're the leader, it's leader, when you're the leader, it's leader, when you're the leader, it's just the way that is. You got your hand just the way that is. You got your hand just the way that is. You got your hand on the wheel and you're going from point on the wheel and you're going from point on the wheel and you're going from point A to point B, you need some fellow A to point B, you need some fellow A to point B, you need some fellow workers. It's a big deal. We have that workers. It's a big deal. We have that workers. It's a big deal. We have that here at the church. Fellow worker. Okay, here at the church. Fellow worker. Okay, here at the church. Fellow worker. Okay, in that in the job, same heart, same in that in the job, same heart, same in that in the job, same heart, same mission, but also he says a fellow mission, but also he says a fellow mission, but also he says a fellow soldier. You got to realize Paul, he soldier. You got to realize Paul, he soldier. You got to realize Paul, he knew this was a spiritual battle. Fellow knew this was a spiritual battle. Fellow knew this was a spiritual battle. Fellow soldier was the idea. We do war soldier was the idea. We do war soldier was the idea. We do war together. We stand shouldertosh shoulder together. We stand shouldertosh shoulder together. We stand shouldertosh shoulder on our team. I can tell you this on a on our team. I can tell you this on a on our team. I can tell you this on a pastoral team. And that's why it's so pastoral team. And that's why it's so pastoral team. And that's why it's so important when you're bringing someone important when you're bringing someone important when you're bringing someone to be a part of the team and and all to be a part of the team and and all to be a part of the team and and all this that you got the same you're on the this that you got the same you're on the this that you got the same you're on the same path. You're on the same vision.

same path. You're on the same vision. same path. You're on the same vision. You got the same heart. You got the same You got the same heart. You got the same You got the same heart. You got the same kindred spirit. And we stand soldiers. kindred spirit. And we stand soldiers. kindred spirit. And we stand soldiers. I'd go to war with any of these I'd go to war with any of these I'd go to war with any of these brothers. I got some preachers in other brothers. I got some preachers in other brothers. I got some preachers in other churches that I'll say something about. churches that I'll say something about. churches that I'll say something about. I'll say, "I love that brother. I'd go I'll say, "I love that brother. I'd go I'll say, "I love that brother. I'd go to war with him in that." I mean, this to war with him in that." I mean, this to war with him in that." I mean, this is how Paul is referring because the is how Paul is referring because the is how Paul is referring because the greatest Christians are rarely visible. greatest Christians are rarely visible. greatest Christians are rarely visible. They don't have the platforms. They don't have the platforms. They don't have the platforms. They don't have the Tik Toks. They don't They don't have the Tik Toks. They don't They don't have the Tik Toks. They don't have the podcast. They just regular have the podcast. They just regular have the podcast. They just regular folks who love Jesus. And God uses folks who love Jesus. And God uses folks who love Jesus. And God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary ordinary people to do extraordinary ordinary people to do extraordinary things through the power of the risen things through the power of the risen things through the power of the risen savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Come on. savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Come on. savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Come on. Amen. And so we see this in Apaproditis. Amen. And so we see this in Apaproditis. Amen. And so we see this in Apaproditis. He's that type of leader. So he says, He's that type of leader. So he says, He's that type of leader. So he says, not only is he that brother, fellow not only is he that brother, fellow not only is he that brother, fellow work, fellow soldier, he's that work, fellow soldier, he's that work, fellow soldier, he's that messenger. Okay? Again, that means he's messenger. Okay? Again, that means he's messenger. Okay? Again, that means he's the one who was bringing that gift. the one who was bringing that gift. the one who was bringing that gift. Okay? Uh he was bringing the tidings, a Okay? Uh he was bringing the tidings, a Okay? Uh he was bringing the tidings, a word, he says messenger and minister to word, he says messenger and minister to word, he says messenger and minister to my need. That means he was Paul's my need. That means he was Paul's my need. That means he was Paul's personal. Paul had a lay person in the personal. Paul had a lay person in the personal. Paul had a lay person in the church who was ministering to him while church who was ministering to him while church who was ministering to him while he was there. And then he says this and he was there. And then he says this and he was there. And then he says this and he says because he was longing for you he says because he was longing for you he says because he was longing for you all was distressed because he'd heard all was distressed because he'd heard all was distressed because he'd heard that he was sick. Indeed sick to the that he was sick. Indeed sick to the that he was sick. Indeed sick to the point of death.

point of death. point of death. So I have contracted the flu a couple So I have contracted the flu a couple So I have contracted the flu a couple different times and then CO came out and different times and then CO came out and different times and then CO came out and you know a boy from the country Prairie you know a boy from the country Prairie you know a boy from the country Prairie County grew up on the White River. Oh, County grew up on the White River. Oh, County grew up on the White River. Oh, I'm invisible, bulletproof, all that I'm invisible, bulletproof, all that I'm invisible, bulletproof, all that stuff. I've had CO like four times. I stuff. I've had CO like four times. I stuff. I've had CO like four times. I don't know what's going on in my body. don't know what's going on in my body. don't know what's going on in my body. And I tell you, hey, when I get it, it's And I tell you, hey, when I get it, it's And I tell you, hey, when I get it, it's like I got it. Well, this flu thing hit like I got it. Well, this flu thing hit like I got it. Well, this flu thing hit me. Whether it was CO or flu, it took me me. Whether it was CO or flu, it took me me. Whether it was CO or flu, it took me out about 3 days. Okay, 3 days. Have you out about 3 days. Okay, 3 days. Have you out about 3 days. Okay, 3 days. Have you ever had the flu where you got the ever had the flu where you got the ever had the flu where you got the shakes, you got the temperature, that shakes, you got the temperature, that shakes, you got the temperature, that kind of stuff? You're laying in the bed. kind of stuff? You're laying in the bed. kind of stuff? You're laying in the bed. I am not a very good sick person. I I am not a very good sick person. I I am not a very good sick person. I don't know how you are now. Papraditis, don't know how you are now. Papraditis, don't know how you are now. Papraditis, it probably wasn't a flu. Probably more it probably wasn't a flu. Probably more it probably wasn't a flu. Probably more like dysentery. like dysentery. like dysentery. It's it's probably more Yeah. fever, It's it's probably more Yeah. fever, It's it's probably more Yeah. fever, nausea, all the bad stuff that comes nausea, all the bad stuff that comes nausea, all the bad stuff that comes with that mean where you're dehydrating with that mean where you're dehydrating with that mean where you're dehydrating and all this. You went to visit a guy and all this. You went to visit a guy and all this. You went to visit a guy that's in jail. You know, you're there that's in jail. You know, you're there that's in jail. You know, you're there and all this is going on and you're sick and all this is going on and you're sick and all this is going on and you're sick as you can be. So much he says he about as you can be. So much he says he about as you can be. So much he says he about died. Now Paul's been shipwrecked. He's died. Now Paul's been shipwrecked. He's died. Now Paul's been shipwrecked. He's been beaten. He's been left for dead. I been beaten. He's been left for dead. I been beaten. He's been left for dead. I mean, we're not we're talking about a mean, we're not we're talking about a mean, we're not we're talking about a guy I know he's bilingual. He's very guy I know he's bilingual. He's very guy I know he's bilingual. He's very smart. Paul, all this. I mean, he's smart. Paul, all this. I mean, he's smart. Paul, all this. I mean, he's been, if we call it, the whooping has been, if we call it, the whooping has been, if we call it, the whooping has taken place on him before. He's pretty taken place on him before. He's pretty taken place on him before. He's pretty tough. Say it that way. He says this tough. Say it that way. He says this tough. Say it that way. He says this guy's about he almost died and said in guy's about he almost died and said in guy's about he almost died and said in his midst of almost dying I believe his midst of almost dying I believe his midst of almost dying I believe probably dysentery something like that probably dysentery something like that probably dysentery something like that like you like you catch in other places like you like you catch in other places like you like you catch in other places you can catch it here but really you can catch it here but really you can catch it here but really prominent around the world and he says prominent around the world and he says prominent around the world and he says he was distressed and concerned over you

he was distressed and concerned over you he was distressed and concerned over you because you were concerned about him. because you were concerned about him. because you were concerned about him. Let me just make a confession to you. Let me just make a confession to you. Let me just make a confession to you. When I was in the bed with the flu, When I was in the bed with the flu, When I was in the bed with the flu, you did not enter my mind. You say, "Oh, I'm sure you sitting there You say, "Oh, I'm sure you sitting there and pray for us." No. I was like, "Oh, and pray for us." No. I was like, "Oh, and pray for us." No. I was like, "Oh, Lord, just take me. Take me home." And Lord, just take me. Take me home." And Lord, just take me. Take me home." And you come by there and say, "The church you come by there and say, "The church you come by there and say, "The church is praying for you. No, you're sick." is praying for you. No, you're sick." is praying for you. No, you're sick." I'm like, "Oh, that's good. Lord, take I'm like, "Oh, that's good. Lord, take I'm like, "Oh, that's good. Lord, take me. I'm dying." me. I'm dying." me. I'm dying." You say, "You embellishing that?" You say, "You embellishing that?" You say, "You embellishing that?" Probably not much. Probably not much. Probably not much. How would you respond? Now, I want you How would you respond? Now, I want you How would you respond? Now, I want you to think about this. He's about to die. to think about this. He's about to die. to think about this. He's about to die. Really about to die. Paul said he was Really about to die. Paul said he was Really about to die. Paul said he was worried about you, man. Wow. What an act worried about you, man. Wow. What an act worried about you, man. Wow. What an act of service in that. And he says, "I'm of service in that. And he says, "I'm of service in that. And he says, "I'm sending him back. I'm glad God I'm glad sending him back. I'm glad God I'm glad sending him back. I'm glad God I'm glad God allowed him to live." He said, "It God allowed him to live." He said, "It God allowed him to live." He said, "It would have made me very sorrowful if would have made me very sorrowful if would have made me very sorrowful if he'd died. I'm glad God allowed him, but he'd died. I'm glad God allowed him, but he'd died. I'm glad God allowed him, but I'm sending back to you." And he says I'm sending back to you." And he says I'm sending back to you." And he says this. He says, uh, "Receive him in the this. He says, uh, "Receive him in the this. He says, uh, "Receive him in the Lord." Lord, verse 29. He said, 'Hold Lord." Lord, verse 29. He said, 'Hold Lord." Lord, verse 29. He said, 'Hold men in like him in high regard because men in like him in high regard because men in like him in high regard because he's close upon pointed. Hold men like he's close upon pointed. Hold men like he's close upon pointed. Hold men like him. Epapraditis.

him. Epapraditis. him. Epapraditis. Now we get to heaven. I know what you I Now we get to heaven. I know what you I Now we get to heaven. I know what you I want to go see Moses. I say, Moses, can want to go see Moses. I say, Moses, can want to go see Moses. I say, Moses, can I touch your beard? I know you got one. I touch your beard? I know you got one. I touch your beard? I know you got one. Moses, can I touch your staff? No, I Moses, can I touch your staff? No, I Moses, can I touch your staff? No, I don't know. I don't know what we do. Get don't know. I don't know what we do. Get don't know. I don't know what we do. Get there, but it's just somebody, you know, there, but it's just somebody, you know, there, but it's just somebody, you know, and and a patriarch, Jacob, Isaac, maybe and and a patriarch, Jacob, Isaac, maybe and and a patriarch, Jacob, Isaac, maybe go on. I know he's I want to go see go on. I know he's I want to go see go on. I know he's I want to go see Jesus. Yes. I'm just thinking about Jesus. Yes. I'm just thinking about Jesus. Yes. I'm just thinking about these regular guys there, you know, and these regular guys there, you know, and these regular guys there, you know, and I know Jesus was a man walked on this I know Jesus was a man walked on this I know Jesus was a man walked on this earth, the son of God, uh, perfect in earth, the son of God, uh, perfect in earth, the son of God, uh, perfect in every way, but, you know, I think about, every way, but, you know, I think about, every way, but, you know, I think about, what about Apaproditis? what about Apaproditis? what about Apaproditis? He says, "Hold men like him in high He says, "Hold men like him in high He says, "Hold men like him in high regard." You know what Paul didn't say? regard." You know what Paul didn't say? regard." You know what Paul didn't say? Paul didn't say this. He said, "Hold men Paul didn't say this. He said, "Hold men Paul didn't say this. He said, "Hold men like Apaproditis in high regard." like Apaproditis in high regard." like Apaproditis in high regard." because he came to Rome and he stood on because he came to Rome and he stood on because he came to Rome and he stood on the steps of the temple and he preached the steps of the temple and he preached the steps of the temple and he preached a 35-minute threepoint alliterated a 35-minute threepoint alliterated a 35-minute threepoint alliterated sermon. AND IN FACT, IT had alliterated sermon. AND IN FACT, IT had alliterated sermon. AND IN FACT, IT had alliterated subpoints subpoints subpoints and not only did he preach it with great and not only did he preach it with great and not only did he preach it with great alliteration, alliteration, alliteration, but he had a great introdu introduction but he had a great introdu introduction but he had a great introdu introduction so good that it grabbed the hearts of so good that it grabbed the hearts of so good that it grabbed the hearts of the people that people were spellbound the people that people were spellbound the people that people were spellbound as he began to speak. He just drew them as he began to speak. He just drew them as he began to speak. He just drew them in. Yes, he did not have a screen.

in. Yes, he did not have a screen. in. Yes, he did not have a screen. He didn't have a picture of Dwight Elm He didn't have a picture of Dwight Elm He didn't have a picture of Dwight Elm Moody because Dwight Elm Moody hadn't Moody because Dwight Elm Moody hadn't Moody because Dwight Elm Moody hadn't been born yet. But it was such a great been born yet. But it was such a great been born yet. But it was such a great introduction. In fact, he preached that introduction. In fact, he preached that introduction. In fact, he preached that alliterated sermon. Got to the end. Oh, alliterated sermon. Got to the end. Oh, alliterated sermon. Got to the end. Oh, he had a powerful closing. It was a he had a powerful closing. It was a he had a powerful closing. It was a STORY THAT TOUCHED THE heartstrings of STORY THAT TOUCHED THE heartstrings of STORY THAT TOUCHED THE heartstrings of the people. He had been trained in the people. He had been trained in the people. He had been trained in communication with voice inflection to communication with voice inflection to communication with voice inflection to draw the PEOPLE IN. OH, HOLD HIM IN HIGH draw the PEOPLE IN. OH, HOLD HIM IN HIGH draw the PEOPLE IN. OH, HOLD HIM IN HIGH REGARD. IT WAS THE MOST ABSOLUTE BEST REGARD. IT WAS THE MOST ABSOLUTE BEST REGARD. IT WAS THE MOST ABSOLUTE BEST SERMON WE HAD ever heard. In fact, when SERMON WE HAD ever heard. In fact, when SERMON WE HAD ever heard. In fact, when the invitation was given, the crowds the invitation was given, the crowds the invitation was given, the crowds came forward in masses. HE HELD HIS came forward in masses. HE HELD HIS came forward in masses. HE HELD HIS HANDS OVER HIM AND SAID, "RECEIVE THE HANDS OVER HIM AND SAID, "RECEIVE THE HANDS OVER HIM AND SAID, "RECEIVE THE LORD." LORD." LORD." You say, "You're making all that up." You say, "You're making all that up." You say, "You're making all that up." That's not what he said in scripture. That's not what he said in scripture. That's not what he said in scripture. He said, "The man loves you so much." He said, "The man loves you so much." He said, "The man loves you so much." and he was about to die and he was more and he was about to die and he was more and he was about to die and he was more concerned about you concerned about you concerned about you was about anything else. He says he's was about anything else. He says he's was about anything else. He says he's the guy. Hold men like him in high the guy. Hold men like him in high the guy. Hold men like him in high regard.

regard. regard. Some of the greatest Christians, if I Some of the greatest Christians, if I Some of the greatest Christians, if I say most, if not all, say most, if not all, say most, if not all, are rarely visible. are rarely visible. are rarely visible. Nobody knows their name. Nobody knows their name. Nobody knows their name. Nobody maybe remembers who they are, but Nobody maybe remembers who they are, but Nobody maybe remembers who they are, but God does. Because in God's kingdom, it's God does. Because in God's kingdom, it's God does. Because in God's kingdom, it's not about your position. It's not about not about your position. It's not about not about your position. It's not about your title. It's not about your voice your title. It's not about your voice your title. It's not about your voice inflection. It's not about your funny inflection. It's not about your funny inflection. It's not about your funny stories. It's not about your stories. It's not about your stories. It's not about your introductions to grab the hearts of the introductions to grab the hearts of the introductions to grab the hearts of the people in the closings. people in the closings. people in the closings. It's about how faithful you are in the It's about how faithful you are in the It's about how faithful you are in the kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. God will use ordinary people to do God will use ordinary people to do God will use ordinary people to do extraordinary things through the power extraordinary things through the power extraordinary things through the power of the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus of the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus of the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, for his glory. Now, here's a Christ, for his glory. Now, here's a Christ, for his glory. Now, here's a question. question. question. Are you serving him? It's not a guilt Are you serving him? It's not a guilt Are you serving him? It's not a guilt sermon. It's are you serving him? Do you sermon. It's are you serving him? Do you sermon. It's are you serving him? Do you realize that someone's eternity is realize that someone's eternity is realize that someone's eternity is probably tied to your service? You say, probably tied to your service? You say, probably tied to your service? You say, "Well, that makes me feel bad." Well, "Well, that makes me feel bad." Well, "Well, that makes me feel bad." Well, don't feel bad. Just think about it. You don't feel bad. Just think about it. You don't feel bad. Just think about it. You know, it could be that you're here and know, it could be that you're here and know, it could be that you're here and you say, you know, I have a heart for you say, you know, I have a heart for you say, you know, I have a heart for these teenagers. There's great ministry these teenagers. There's great ministry these teenagers. There's great ministry in teenagers. Maybe I have a heart for in teenagers. Maybe I have a heart for in teenagers. Maybe I have a heart for middle school. There's great ministry middle school. There's great ministry middle school. There's great ministry opportunity. And and let me just share opportunity. And and let me just share opportunity. And and let me just share this with you. I grew up in church. I this with you. I grew up in church. I this with you. I grew up in church. I wasn't saved. I grew up in church. I wasn't saved. I grew up in church. I wasn't saved. I grew up in church. I don't remember everything don't remember everything don't remember everything that my teacher said to me, but I that my teacher said to me, but I that my teacher said to me, but I remember their faces.

remember their faces. remember their faces. I remember their presence. I remember I remember their presence. I remember I remember their presence. I remember they cared. You see, they didn't have they cared. You see, they didn't have they cared. You see, they didn't have the perfect words. They were just there. the perfect words. They were just there. the perfect words. They were just there. And it may be in serving a kingdom, it's And it may be in serving a kingdom, it's And it may be in serving a kingdom, it's just being there. I know some of you just being there. I know some of you just being there. I know some of you afraid I don't deal with a uh a wanas afraid I don't deal with a uh a wanas afraid I don't deal with a uh a wanas cuz I'm afraid I'm going to say cuz I'm afraid I'm going to say cuz I'm afraid I'm going to say something wrong. something wrong. something wrong. Look, just being there and and just, you Look, just being there and and just, you Look, just being there and and just, you know, showing the kids that you care and know, showing the kids that you care and know, showing the kids that you care and you know, we're going to crank the you know, we're going to crank the you know, we're going to crank the greenhouse up here August the 9th. It's greenhouse up here August the 9th. It's greenhouse up here August the 9th. It's going to start back. Do you realize we going to start back. Do you realize we going to start back. Do you realize we got a lot of great preachers here at got a lot of great preachers here at got a lot of great preachers here at Central? Come on. Amen. Central? Come on. Amen. Central? Come on. Amen. Do y'all not believe that? Yeah. Really? Do y'all not believe that? Yeah. Really? Do y'all not believe that? Yeah. Really? We got a lot of great pre We got a lot We got a lot of great pre We got a lot We got a lot of great pre We got a lot of great worship leaders here at of great worship leaders here at of great worship leaders here at Central. We got a lot different voices, Central. We got a lot different voices, Central. We got a lot different voices, different leaders, one gospel of the different leaders, one gospel of the different leaders, one gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. You know, it's going Lord Jesus Christ. You know, it's going Lord Jesus Christ. You know, it's going to be opportunity to serve out there in to be opportunity to serve out there in to be opportunity to serve out there in the greenhouse. You know, being a door the greenhouse. You know, being a door the greenhouse. You know, being a door greater, you know, if you're a door greater, you know, if you're a door greater, you know, if you're a door grader, you got to be nice. Y'all know grader, you got to be nice. Y'all know grader, you got to be nice. Y'all know that, right? You got to smile. If you're that, right? You got to smile. If you're that, right? You got to smile. If you're not nice, then get nice before you get not nice, then get nice before you get not nice, then get nice before you get here. All right? And smile. But you open here. All right? And smile. But you open here. All right? And smile. But you open the door. You know how you break down the door. You know how you break down the door. You know how you break down barriers? It's just speak a word of barriers? It's just speak a word of barriers? It's just speak a word of kindness to someone when they come in.

kindness to someone when they come in. kindness to someone when they come in. You know, I I love the coffee bar. You You know, I I love the coffee bar. You You know, I I love the coffee bar. You know, the coffee bar you send back know, the coffee bar you send back know, the coffee bar you send back there, man. You know, there people there, man. You know, there people there, man. You know, there people smiling, talking that he here. I love smiling, talking that he here. I love smiling, talking that he here. I love that. You know, coffee, a 350lb man that. You know, coffee, a 350lb man that. You know, coffee, a 350lb man thinks he can hide behind a coffee cup. thinks he can hide behind a coffee cup. thinks he can hide behind a coffee cup. You know that, right? And and the thing You know that, right? And and the thing You know that, right? And and the thing is it just breaks down all that stuff. I is it just breaks down all that stuff. I is it just breaks down all that stuff. I mean, I could go on and on. I know some mean, I could go on and on. I know some mean, I could go on and on. I know some of you have the gift of teaching. So, of you have the gift of teaching. So, of you have the gift of teaching. So, you know, teaching in those areas, a you know, teaching in those areas, a you know, teaching in those areas, a college ministry, you know, look, I know college ministry, you know, look, I know college ministry, you know, look, I know Cross was laughing about college Cross was laughing about college Cross was laughing about college movement 20 years ago. 10th floor, K's movement 20 years ago. 10th floor, K's movement 20 years ago. 10th floor, K's Hall. Come on. Hall. Come on. Hall. Come on. 2026. No way. 10th floor. Okay. 20 years 2026. No way. 10th floor. Okay. 20 years 2026. No way. 10th floor. Okay. 20 years later. No way. My body won't handle later. No way. My body won't handle later. No way. My body won't handle that. But you know what? I'm going to be that. But you know what? I'm going to be that. But you know what? I'm going to be there. I'm going to smile. I'm going to there. I'm going to smile. I'm going to there. I'm going to smile. I'm going to love on people cuz most of those people love on people cuz most of those people love on people cuz most of those people won't remember what I say, but they're won't remember what I say, but they're won't remember what I say, but they're going to know if I was there or not. going to know if I was there or not. going to know if I was there or not. It's a ministry of presence. And it's It's a ministry of presence. And it's It's a ministry of presence. And it's being able to listen when you got a being able to listen when you got a being able to listen when you got a college student there, a freshman. I college student there, a freshman. I college student there, a freshman. I mean, it's so many opportunities to mean, it's so many opportunities to mean, it's so many opportunities to serve. But what happens for all of us, serve. But what happens for all of us, serve. But what happens for all of us, we get caught up in our own we get caught up in our own we get caught up in our own self-interest, not the interest of self-interest, not the interest of self-interest, not the interest of Christ. and we show up thinking, well, Christ. and we show up thinking, well, Christ. and we show up thinking, well, how can someone serve me instead of how how can someone serve me instead of how how can someone serve me instead of how can I serve? So, it may be an can I serve? So, it may be an can I serve? So, it may be an opportunity serve. So, there's a QR opportunity serve. So, there's a QR opportunity serve. So, there's a QR code. It's on the back seat in front of code. It's on the back seat in front of code. It's on the back seat in front of you. If you click on that code, it's you. If you click on that code, it's you. If you click on that code, it's going to take you to a plethora of going to take you to a plethora of going to take you to a plethora of choices because we have a lot of stuff choices because we have a lot of stuff choices because we have a lot of stuff going on at Central. But, you got to go going on at Central. But, you got to go going on at Central. But, you got to go to connect with us. And you click on to connect with us. And you click on to connect with us. And you click on that, it's going to take you down how that, it's going to take you down how that, it's going to take you down how you want to connect with us. Some of you you want to connect with us. Some of you you want to connect with us. Some of you have the ability with media or cameras, have the ability with media or cameras, have the ability with media or cameras, which I have no ability whatsoever.

which I have no ability whatsoever. which I have no ability whatsoever. But this ministry, there's But this ministry, there's But this ministry, there's probably 10,000 people probably 10,000 people probably 10,000 people watching this right here, right now. watching this right here, right now. watching this right here, right now. Now, you may think, well, yeah, I can do Now, you may think, well, yeah, I can do Now, you may think, well, yeah, I can do something like that. I'm kind of wired something like that. I'm kind of wired something like that. I'm kind of wired that way. I know Brother Archie's not that way. I know Brother Archie's not that way. I know Brother Archie's not wired that way. I'm wired that way. wired that way. I'm wired that way. wired that way. I'm wired that way. 10,000 people, someone's eternity is 10,000 people, someone's eternity is 10,000 people, someone's eternity is tied to your service. This is how it tied to your service. This is how it tied to your service. This is how it works. It's a great ministry that's works. It's a great ministry that's works. It's a great ministry that's online and through television. It's online and through television. It's online and through television. It's huge. huge. huge. More than you realize. So, it's not to More than you realize. So, it's not to More than you realize. So, it's not to guilt us, but it's really to make us guilt us, but it's really to make us guilt us, but it's really to make us really evaluate us and see where we are really evaluate us and see where we are really evaluate us and see where we are because the greatest Christians are because the greatest Christians are because the greatest Christians are rarely ever visible. rarely ever visible. rarely ever visible. We know the what I call the big dogs. We know the what I call the big dogs. We know the what I call the big dogs. Agent Rogers, Dr. Steve Gains. I mean, Agent Rogers, Dr. Steve Gains. I mean, Agent Rogers, Dr. Steve Gains. I mean, you know these names, you know these names, you know these names, but it's just regular folks that love but it's just regular folks that love but it's just regular folks that love Christ. They're faithful. But you cannot Christ. They're faithful. But you cannot Christ. They're faithful. But you cannot serve him unless you have a relationship serve him unless you have a relationship serve him unless you have a relationship with him. You see all of Timothy and with him. You see all of Timothy and with him. You see all of Timothy and Aphroditis, their lives are changed Aphroditis, their lives are changed Aphroditis, their lives are changed because of Christ. You see, Jesus because of Christ. You see, Jesus because of Christ. You see, Jesus Christ, greatest servant who ever lived.

Christ, greatest servant who ever lived. Christ, greatest servant who ever lived. Jesus said, "I came I came not to be Jesus said, "I came I came not to be Jesus said, "I came I came not to be served, but to serve and give my life as served, but to serve and give my life as served, but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many." Greatest act of a ransom for many." Greatest act of a ransom for many." Greatest act of service. He went to that cross and died service. He went to that cross and died service. He went to that cross and died for you and me. He died for you and me. for you and me. He died for you and me. for you and me. He died for you and me. Shed his blood at Calvary so we could Shed his blood at Calvary so we could Shed his blood at Calvary so we could have forgiveness of sins. Greatest act have forgiveness of sins. Greatest act have forgiveness of sins. Greatest act of service. He who knew no sin became of service. He who knew no sin became of service. He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf. We might become the sin on our behalf. We might become the sin on our behalf. We might become the righteousness of God. Wow. That's a righteousness of God. Wow. That's a righteousness of God. Wow. That's a crazy good. He loves us in such a way. crazy good. He loves us in such a way. crazy good. He loves us in such a way. And you can't buy it. You can't earn it. And you can't buy it. You can't earn it. And you can't buy it. You can't earn it. What you do is you receive what he did. What you do is you receive what he did. What you do is you receive what he did. You believe by faith. Lord, I believe. You believe by faith. Lord, I believe. You believe by faith. Lord, I believe. Lord, I trust. Lord, and belief has Lord, I trust. Lord, and belief has Lord, I trust. Lord, and belief has repentance. Lord, I'm a sinner. Needs a repentance. Lord, I'm a sinner. Needs a repentance. Lord, I'm a sinner. Needs a savior. I I sent you draw on me, Holy savior. I I sent you draw on me, Holy savior. I I sent you draw on me, Holy Spirit. And Lord, I I sense a Spirit. And Lord, I I sense a Spirit. And Lord, I I sense a conviction. I have repentance sin. And conviction. I have repentance sin. And conviction. I have repentance sin. And Lord Jesus, I want you to save me today. Lord Jesus, I want you to save me today. Lord Jesus, I want you to save me today. I can tell you testimony after testimony I can tell you testimony after testimony I can tell you testimony after testimony in my life. Sin is an empty pathway. in my life. Sin is an empty pathway. in my life. Sin is an empty pathway. It's going to promise you everything and It's going to promise you everything and It's going to promise you everything and not deliver. It's going to keep you a not deliver. It's going to keep you a not deliver. It's going to keep you a lot longer than you want to stay. And lot longer than you want to stay. And lot longer than you want to stay. And there's nothing down those paths. Christ there's nothing down those paths. Christ there's nothing down those paths. Christ is where the peace comes from. And you is where the peace comes from. And you is where the peace comes from. And you can have that peace today.

can have that peace today. can have that peace today. Don't leave out here going, "Oh, Don't leave out here going, "Oh, Don't leave out here going, "Oh, Timothy, wow, great heart. Oh, Timothy, wow, great heart. Oh, Timothy, wow, great heart. Oh, Aphroditis. Oh, he almost died." No, we Aphroditis. Oh, he almost died." No, we Aphroditis. Oh, he almost died." No, we need to leave day going, "Lord, how can need to leave day going, "Lord, how can need to leave day going, "Lord, how can I serve you?" Father, as we pray here I serve you?" Father, as we pray here I serve you?" Father, as we pray here this morning, this morning, this morning, this time your word is uh as you tell us this time your word is uh as you tell us this time your word is uh as you tell us in Hebrews, alive and acted, sharper in Hebrews, alive and acted, sharper in Hebrews, alive and acted, sharper than a double-edged sword. It pierces than a double-edged sword. It pierces than a double-edged sword. It pierces the the heart, the joints, the marrow as the the heart, the joints, the marrow as the the heart, the joints, the marrow as you tell us in scripture and it lays you tell us in scripture and it lays you tell us in scripture and it lays everything Lord bare. So Lord, I pray everything Lord bare. So Lord, I pray everything Lord bare. So Lord, I pray this morning you laid us bare and that this morning you laid us bare and that this morning you laid us bare and that in that if there's conviction of sin, we in that if there's conviction of sin, we in that if there's conviction of sin, we will repent as a believer and Lord that will repent as a believer and Lord that will repent as a believer and Lord that we will we'll act upon it. Lord, a very we will we'll act upon it. Lord, a very we will we'll act upon it. Lord, a very simple message to uh individuals, simple message to uh individuals, simple message to uh individuals, regular folks, Timothy and Apaproditis regular folks, Timothy and Apaproditis regular folks, Timothy and Apaproditis that Lord were set up as examples to that Lord were set up as examples to that Lord were set up as examples to follow. May we be as the men and women follow. May we be as the men and women follow. May we be as the men and women of God, folks you've called us to be. So of God, folks you've called us to be. So of God, folks you've called us to be. So I pray today, maybe it's a place of I pray today, maybe it's a place of I pray today, maybe it's a place of service. Maybe you put it upon someone's service. Maybe you put it upon someone's service. Maybe you put it upon someone's heart. We'll act upon it. But Lord, also heart. We'll act upon it. But Lord, also heart. We'll act upon it. But Lord, also it's a salvation today. Free gift it's a salvation today. Free gift it's a salvation today. Free gift [music] that someone would come to the [music] that someone would come to the [music] that someone would come to the saving knowledge of you. Lord, I believe saving knowledge of you. Lord, I believe saving knowledge of you. Lord, I believe they sense your leadership, your they sense your leadership, your they sense your leadership, your direction, Holy Spirit. They know direction, Holy Spirit. They know direction, Holy Spirit. They know they're a sinner, but but Lord, they've they're a sinner, but but Lord, they've they're a sinner, but but Lord, they've got to activate in faith. They've got to got to activate in faith. They've got to got to activate in faith. They've got to call upon you, Lord. Believe in you in call upon you, Lord. Believe in you in call upon you, Lord. Believe in you in sincerity and repentance, Lord, and they sincerity and repentance, Lord, and they sincerity and repentance, Lord, and they can be saved. And Lord, you tell us not can be saved. And Lord, you tell us not can be saved. And Lord, you tell us not to be ashamed of you. I pray they'll to be ashamed of you. I pray they'll to be ashamed of you. I pray they'll come to one of these pastors say, "Hey, come to one of these pastors say, "Hey, come to one of these pastors say, "Hey, today I'm giving my life to Christ. I'm today I'm giving my life to Christ. I'm today I'm giving my life to Christ. I'm going to follow him and be his going to follow him and be his going to follow him and be his disciple." I pray that takes place.

disciple." I pray that takes place. disciple." I pray that takes place. Lord, I pray no one lets this Lord, I pray no one lets this Lord, I pray no one lets this opportunity pass them by and the opportunity pass them by and the opportunity pass them by and the invitation. Lord, I pray that invitation. Lord, I pray that invitation. Lord, I pray that pray Lord they act upon how you're pray Lord they act upon how you're pray Lord they act upon how you're leading them right now. And again, may leading them right now. And again, may leading them right now. And again, may it be for your glory and honor. It's in it be for your glory and honor. It's in it be for your glory and honor. It's in your name we pray in the name of Jesus. your name we pray in the name of Jesus. your name we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand?