New and Better Outlook

Well, today we start a brand new series Well, today we start a brand new series called a new and better. And during the called a new and better. And during the called a new and better. And during the month of July, first Sunday of August, month of July, first Sunday of August, month of July, first Sunday of August, we're going to tackle lessons we pick up we're going to tackle lessons we pick up we're going to tackle lessons we pick up from a little book in the New Testament from a little book in the New Testament from a little book in the New Testament called Philippians. It was a letter called Philippians. It was a letter called Philippians. It was a letter written by Paul to Christians living in written by Paul to Christians living in written by Paul to Christians living in a town called Philippi. And today we a town called Philippi. And today we a town called Philippi. And today we tackle the question or the subject of tackle the question or the subject of tackle the question or the subject of what do you do when you're facing what what do you do when you're facing what what do you do when you're facing what feels like tough or insurmountable odds? feels like tough or insurmountable odds? feels like tough or insurmountable odds? And we've all been there in life, right? And we've all been there in life, right? And we've all been there in life, right? In fact, throughout the years, there's In fact, throughout the years, there's In fact, throughout the years, there's an industry that popped up to help us an industry that popped up to help us an industry that popped up to help us deal with the challenges that we have in deal with the challenges that we have in deal with the challenges that we have in front of us. It's the slogan industrial front of us. It's the slogan industrial front of us. It's the slogan industrial complex. It's those who make a living complex. It's those who make a living complex. It's those who make a living off of creating slogans. So, just quick off of creating slogans. So, just quick off of creating slogans. So, just quick show of hands, how many of you at one show of hands, how many of you at one show of hands, how many of you at one point or another had just do it a poster point or another had just do it a poster point or another had just do it a poster with just do it on a wall somewhere in with just do it on a wall somewhere in with just do it on a wall somewhere in college, in your gym, something like college, in your gym, something like college, in your gym, something like that. And what did just do it remind you that. And what did just do it remind you that. And what did just do it remind you of? No matter what the weather was, it of? No matter what the weather was, it of? No matter what the weather was, it could be winter, it could be sleeting, could be winter, it could be sleeting, could be winter, it could be sleeting, get those shoes on and get out there. get those shoes on and get out there. get those shoes on and get out there. You'll feel better when you run. The You'll feel better when you run. The You'll feel better when you run. The insurmountable odd is tremendously insurmountable odd is tremendously insurmountable odd is tremendously difficult weather. And what did you do?

difficult weather. And what did you do? difficult weather. And what did you do? You took the poster down, right? I mean, You took the poster down, right? I mean, You took the poster down, right? I mean, that's a lot easier than all the No, no. that's a lot easier than all the No, no. that's a lot easier than all the No, no. Actually, the the fun part with slogans Actually, the the fun part with slogans Actually, the the fun part with slogans like keep calm and carry on and all like keep calm and carry on and all like keep calm and carry on and all those is they they have a little ring of those is they they have a little ring of those is they they have a little ring of truth and in difficult times they can truth and in difficult times they can truth and in difficult times they can help us sometimes. But there's also some help us sometimes. But there's also some help us sometimes. But there's also some of us that are wired a little more of us that are wired a little more of us that are wired a little more cynically and jaded. There's a cynically and jaded. There's a cynically and jaded. There's a an industry out there actually they sell an industry out there actually they sell an industry out there actually they sell posters, mugs, and all kind of stuff. posters, mugs, and all kind of stuff. posters, mugs, and all kind of stuff. I'm not advocating, but it's called I'm not advocating, but it's called I'm not advocating, but it's called demotivators. And here's a couple of my demotivators. And here's a couple of my demotivators. And here's a couple of my favorite. If you're encountering favorite. If you're encountering favorite. If you're encountering something difficult, here's adversity. something difficult, here's adversity. something difficult, here's adversity. Maybe we can pop it up on the big screen Maybe we can pop it up on the big screen Maybe we can pop it up on the big screen or maybe you can zoom in here. But or maybe you can zoom in here. But or maybe you can zoom in here. But adversity, there you go. You can adversity, there you go. You can adversity, there you go. You can overcome almost any obstacle in life as overcome almost any obstacle in life as overcome almost any obstacle in life as long as you have enough grit, long as you have enough grit, long as you have enough grit, determination, and extremely rich determination, and extremely rich determination, and extremely rich parents. parents. parents. Here's a second one. This is the last Here's a second one. This is the last Here's a second one. This is the last one, I promise. Endurance, the race is one, I promise. Endurance, the race is one, I promise. Endurance, the race is not always to the swift, but those who not always to the swift, but those who not always to the swift, but those who keep on running. And guess who runs 24/7 keep on running. And guess who runs 24/7 keep on running. And guess who runs 24/7 without lunch breaks, paychecks, or without lunch breaks, paychecks, or without lunch breaks, paychecks, or whining. And you get the robot or AI in whining. And you get the robot or AI in whining. And you get the robot or AI in there. I know that was a little stingy, there. I know that was a little stingy, there. I know that was a little stingy, right? I mean, that one right? I mean, that one right? I mean, that one >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> That one might hit a little too close to >> That one might hit a little too close to >> That one might hit a little too close to home right there. But But what do you do home right there. But But what do you do home right there. But But what do you do when you encounter something when you encounter something when you encounter something challenging? And this is what's great challenging? And this is what's great challenging? And this is what's great about the life of the Apostle Paul.

about the life of the Apostle Paul. about the life of the Apostle Paul. Because the Apostle Paul, his life was Because the Apostle Paul, his life was Because the Apostle Paul, his life was nothing but a challenge. He was always nothing but a challenge. He was always nothing but a challenge. He was always facing big odds. And of course, funny facing big odds. And of course, funny facing big odds. And of course, funny little posters are cute. little posters are cute. little posters are cute. But when you're facing something really But when you're facing something really But when you're facing something really challenging, what when What is it? What challenging, what when What is it? What challenging, what when What is it? What what When you can't do it? what When you can't do it? what When you can't do it? What do you do when you don't have the What do you do when you don't have the What do you do when you don't have the goods? goods? goods? When you don't have within yourself When you don't have within yourself When you don't have within yourself enough to get the job done? enough to get the job done? enough to get the job done? And that is what's great about Paul, cuz And that is what's great about Paul, cuz And that is what's great about Paul, cuz Paul's just one guy. And if there was a Paul's just one guy. And if there was a Paul's just one guy. And if there was a poster about Paul's life, it would be poster about Paul's life, it would be poster about Paul's life, it would be Paul against the empire. Paul against the empire. Paul against the empire. Or maybe empire against Paul, one guy. Or maybe empire against Paul, one guy. Or maybe empire against Paul, one guy. And at any given moment, he was up And at any given moment, he was up And at any given moment, he was up against incredible odds and incredible against incredible odds and incredible against incredible odds and incredible challenges. And yet with Paul, this is challenges. And yet with Paul, this is challenges. And yet with Paul, this is what's great about when we turn to his what's great about when we turn to his what's great about when we turn to his life, we can learn some lessons about life, we can learn some lessons about life, we can learn some lessons about how to cope, how to deal, how to how to cope, how to deal, how to how to cope, how to deal, how to properly deal with these things. This is properly deal with these things. This is properly deal with these things. This is what Paul writes to his friends in what Paul writes to his friends in what Paul writes to his friends in Philippi. This is the This is where Philippi. This is the This is where Philippi. This is the This is where we'll start today. It's a verse 12. So, we'll start today. It's a verse 12. So, we'll start today. It's a verse 12. So, we jump into his letter a little bit. we jump into his letter a little bit. we jump into his letter a little bit. Now, I want you to know, brothers and Now, I want you to know, brothers and Now, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, what has happened sisters, what has happened sisters, what has happened to me has actually served to advance the to me has actually served to advance the to me has actually served to advance the gospel. What's happened to Paul?

gospel. What's happened to Paul? gospel. What's happened to Paul? There's a context that we skip some There's a context that we skip some There's a context that we skip some verses, but at the beginning he lets us verses, but at the beginning he lets us verses, but at the beginning he lets us know he's incarcerated. We We don't know know he's incarcerated. We We don't know know he's incarcerated. We We don't know if he's under house arrest or in actual if he's under house arrest or in actual if he's under house arrest or in actual prison. We think he's under house prison. We think he's under house prison. We think he's under house arrest. We think he's in Rome. That's arrest. We think he's in Rome. That's arrest. We think he's in Rome. That's what it seems. But he's writing to his what it seems. But he's writing to his what it seems. But he's writing to his friends in Philippi. And probably when friends in Philippi. And probably when friends in Philippi. And probably when he they read about his imprisonment, he they read about his imprisonment, he they read about his imprisonment, they probably were like, "What's new?" they probably were like, "What's new?" they probably were like, "What's new?" Because if you know how Paul started of Because if you know how Paul started of Because if you know how Paul started of church in Philippi, it actually began church in Philippi, it actually began church in Philippi, it actually began after he was arrested, put in prison, after he was arrested, put in prison, after he was arrested, put in prison, miraculously God does some cool stuff, miraculously God does some cool stuff, miraculously God does some cool stuff, and as a result the warden of the prison and as a result the warden of the prison and as a result the warden of the prison and his whole family become Christians, and his whole family become Christians, and his whole family become Christians, and a church is formed in this town of and a church is formed in this town of and a church is formed in this town of Philippi. A businesswoman and a warden Philippi. A businesswoman and a warden Philippi. A businesswoman and a warden for the prison, they're the church, and for the prison, they're the church, and for the prison, they're the church, and they had to have known Paul's story. So, they had to have known Paul's story. So, they had to have known Paul's story. So, when Paul's like, "Hey, what's happened when Paul's like, "Hey, what's happened when Paul's like, "Hey, what's happened has advanced the gospel." They probably has advanced the gospel." They probably has advanced the gospel." They probably were like, uh yeah, it does that in your were like, uh yeah, it does that in your were like, uh yeah, it does that in your life. And in Paul's life, he reveals life. And in Paul's life, he reveals life. And in Paul's life, he reveals something we're going to look at a few something we're going to look at a few something we're going to look at a few principles here of facing those big principles here of facing those big principles here of facing those big obstacles. But, in Paul's life, he obstacles. But, in Paul's life, he obstacles. But, in Paul's life, he reveals an important obstacle that or an reveals an important obstacle that or an reveals an important obstacle that or an important principle we all ought to important principle we all ought to important principle we all ought to recognize. And this is it right here.

recognize. And this is it right here. recognize. And this is it right here. Everyone experiences, Paul would tell Everyone experiences, Paul would tell Everyone experiences, Paul would tell us, everyone experiences challenges, us, everyone experiences challenges, us, everyone experiences challenges, difficulties, setbacks difficulties, setbacks difficulties, setbacks at some point in your life. I know this at some point in your life. I know this at some point in your life. I know this isn't rocket science, you know that. isn't rocket science, you know that. isn't rocket science, you know that. But, sometimes we need to hear that. But, sometimes we need to hear that. But, sometimes we need to hear that. Because sometimes when a challenge hits Because sometimes when a challenge hits Because sometimes when a challenge hits us us us and it's a big one and it's a big one and it's a big one we think to ourselves, "This ought not we think to ourselves, "This ought not we think to ourselves, "This ought not happen to me, right? I mean, why? This happen to me, right? I mean, why? This happen to me, right? I mean, why? This should happen to my neighbor who's so should happen to my neighbor who's so should happen to my neighbor who's so irksome and they don't mow their lawn. irksome and they don't mow their lawn. irksome and they don't mow their lawn. That they should have the problems. I That they should have the problems. I That they should have the problems. I shouldn't. I'm a good person. I do shouldn't. I'm a good person. I do shouldn't. I'm a good person. I do really great stuff." But, Paul would really great stuff." But, Paul would really great stuff." But, Paul would tell us, "No, no, it doesn't matter what tell us, "No, no, it doesn't matter what tell us, "No, no, it doesn't matter what you do." you do." you do." And every now and then when I think my And every now and then when I think my And every now and then when I think my life is I'm life is I'm life is I'm facing something big or I'm put upon or facing something big or I'm put upon or facing something big or I'm put upon or or I should have permission to whine or or I should have permission to whine or or I should have permission to whine or complain, I look at the life of Paul. complain, I look at the life of Paul. complain, I look at the life of Paul. He tells us this. This isn't in the He tells us this. This isn't in the He tells us this. This isn't in the letter to the Philippians, but this is letter to the Philippians, but this is letter to the Philippians, but this is something he writes to other friends. something he writes to other friends. something he writes to other friends. This is his LinkedIn profile. This is This is his LinkedIn profile. This is This is his LinkedIn profile. This is his life's story. Paul says, "I've his life's story. Paul says, "I've his life's story. Paul says, "I've worked much harder. I've been" And this worked much harder. I've been" And this worked much harder. I've been" And this is his version of worked much harder. is his version of worked much harder. is his version of worked much harder. "I've been in prison more frequently." "I've been in prison more frequently." "I've been in prison more frequently." Uh there's some bragging rights. "I have Uh there's some bragging rights. "I have Uh there's some bragging rights. "I have been flogged more severely. I have been been flogged more severely. I have been been flogged more severely. I have been exposed to death again and again. Five exposed to death again and again. Five exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the 40 times I received from the Jews the 40 times I received from the Jews the 40 lashes minus one. I mean, quit your lashes minus one. I mean, quit your lashes minus one. I mean, quit your complaining, Paul. It's 195 total, not complaining, Paul. It's 195 total, not complaining, Paul. It's 195 total, not 200.

You know, you got it, right? Yeah, yeah. You know, you got it, right? Yeah, yeah. Someone I'm not I had to think that up. Someone I'm not I had to think that up. Someone I'm not I had to think that up. I'm not a big math guy. I had to really I'm not a big math guy. I had to really I'm not a big math guy. I had to really think about that. I'm glad you finally think about that. I'm glad you finally think about that. I'm glad you finally got it. Three times I was beaten with got it. Three times I was beaten with got it. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was pelted with stones. rods. Once I was pelted with stones. rods. Once I was pelted with stones. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. night and a day in the open sea. night and a day in the open sea. I've been constantly on the move. I've been constantly on the move. I've been constantly on the move. I've been in danger from rivers, in I've been in danger from rivers, in I've been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my danger from bandits, in danger from my danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles, in fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles, in fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the danger in the city, in danger in the danger in the city, in danger in the country. There's no place in the city, country. There's no place in the city, country. There's no place in the city, country, doesn't matter. I'm in danger. country, doesn't matter. I'm in danger. country, doesn't matter. I'm in danger. In danger at sea. Doesn't matter if I'm In danger at sea. Doesn't matter if I'm In danger at sea. Doesn't matter if I'm on land or on the open ocean. I'm in on land or on the open ocean. I'm in on land or on the open ocean. I'm in danger. And in danger from false danger. And in danger from false danger. And in danger from false believers. There's people who stand up believers. There's people who stand up believers. There's people who stand up and oppose me, and they're not even real and oppose me, and they're not even real and oppose me, and they're not even real believers. I've labored, toiled. I've believers. I've labored, toiled. I've believers. I've labored, toiled. I've gone without sleep. I've known hunger gone without sleep. I've known hunger gone without sleep. I've known hunger and thirst and have been gone I've gone and thirst and have been gone I've gone and thirst and have been gone I've gone without food. I've been cold. I've been without food. I've been cold. I've been without food. I've been cold. I've been naked. naked. naked. Besides everything else, I face the Besides everything else, I face the Besides everything else, I face the daily pressures connected with my daily pressures connected with my daily pressures connected with my concern for the churches. And Paul's not concern for the churches. And Paul's not concern for the churches. And Paul's not complaining.

complaining. complaining. He's explaining. He's explaining. He's explaining. He's letting us know that He's letting us know that He's letting us know that that in the midst of all that, that in the midst of all that, that in the midst of all that, something's going on and God's at work. something's going on and God's at work. something's going on and God's at work. This is Remember what where we started This is Remember what where we started This is Remember what where we started with? Let's go back to Philippians 1:12. with? Let's go back to Philippians 1:12. with? Let's go back to Philippians 1:12. He says this, I I I want you to know, He says this, I I I want you to know, He says this, I I I want you to know, brothers and sisters, what's happened to brothers and sisters, what's happened to brothers and sisters, what's happened to me, the prison thing, the arrest thing, me, the prison thing, the arrest thing, me, the prison thing, the arrest thing, has actually really, truly is this word has actually really, truly is this word has actually really, truly is this word he's emphasizing. This is really, truly he's emphasizing. This is really, truly he's emphasizing. This is really, truly served to do what? What's it What's it served to do what? What's it What's it served to do what? What's it What's it doing? doing? doing? It's advancing the gospel. It's advancing the gospel. It's advancing the gospel. Somehow, weird enough, it's advancing Somehow, weird enough, it's advancing Somehow, weird enough, it's advancing the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. Now, gospel's very confusing, where and Now, gospel's very confusing, where and Now, gospel's very confusing, where and I like to bring things down into I like to bring things down into I like to bring things down into language which understand, and this is language which understand, and this is language which understand, and this is how I kind of this is a casual way to how I kind of this is a casual way to how I kind of this is a casual way to define it. It's more than this, but you define it. It's more than this, but you define it. It's more than this, but you can't this is the gospel. You can't do can't this is the gospel. You can't do can't this is the gospel. You can't do it on your own, but with Jesus in you, it on your own, but with Jesus in you, it on your own, but with Jesus in you, there is hope for now and there is a there is hope for now and there is a there is hope for now and there is a hope for eternity. hope for eternity. hope for eternity. And Paul says, And Paul says, And Paul says, crazy enough, all this is happening and crazy enough, all this is happening and crazy enough, all this is happening and yet God is at work.

yet God is at work. yet God is at work. And that reveals a second principle that And that reveals a second principle that And that reveals a second principle that I think applies not just to Paul, but to I think applies not just to Paul, but to I think applies not just to Paul, but to us. When you're going through something us. When you're going through something us. When you're going through something very difficult in life, rather than very difficult in life, rather than very difficult in life, rather than looking for the silver lining, looking for the silver lining, looking for the silver lining, if you're an optimist, you know what I if you're an optimist, you know what I if you're an optimist, you know what I mean. Optimists do this and if if if mean. Optimists do this and if if if mean. Optimists do this and if if if there's an opt if you're a pessimist and there's an opt if you're a pessimist and there's an opt if you're a pessimist and you're married to an optimist or your you're married to an optimist or your you're married to an optimist or your best friend's an optimist, don't they best friend's an optimist, don't they best friend's an optimist, don't they get under your skin sometimes? Right? get under your skin sometimes? Right? get under your skin sometimes? Right? You're you're going through something You're you're going through something You're you're going through something really bad. You got a bad health really bad. You got a bad health really bad. You got a bad health diagnosis and they're like, at least we diagnosis and they're like, at least we diagnosis and they're like, at least we got great medical care, you know, and got great medical care, you know, and got great medical care, you know, and and you're like, well, and you're like, well, and you're like, well, wow, thank you. It's not you, it's me, wow, thank you. It's not you, it's me, wow, thank you. It's not you, it's me, you know, don't look for the silver you know, don't look for the silver you know, don't look for the silver lining. Instead, what do you look for? lining. Instead, what do you look for? lining. Instead, what do you look for? An opportunity to celebrate. An opportunity to celebrate. An opportunity to celebrate. To celebrate how God's at work. To celebrate how God's at work. To celebrate how God's at work. God can use any kind of situation God can use any kind of situation God can use any kind of situation that you find yourself in and this is that you find yourself in and this is that you find yourself in and this is honestly one of the most remarkable honestly one of the most remarkable honestly one of the most remarkable characteristics characteristics characteristics of genuine followers, mature genuine of genuine followers, mature genuine of genuine followers, mature genuine followers of Christ. followers of Christ. followers of Christ. So, if you're in a maturing process, So, if you're in a maturing process, So, if you're in a maturing process, don't beat yourself up if this but one don't beat yourself up if this but one don't beat yourself up if this but one of the most remarkable things of a of the most remarkable things of a of the most remarkable things of a mature, growing, prospering Christian is mature, growing, prospering Christian is mature, growing, prospering Christian is someone who, no matter what is going on someone who, no matter what is going on someone who, no matter what is going on in their life, they don't turn to in their life, they don't turn to in their life, they don't turn to whining and complaining. They look whining and complaining. They look whining and complaining. They look around and ask themself, where is God around and ask themself, where is God around and ask themself, where is God at work?

at work? at work? And then Paul tells us, here's where And then Paul tells us, here's where And then Paul tells us, here's where God's at work. Get this. This is the God's at work. Get this. This is the God's at work. Get this. This is the craziest part. He's incarcerated. This craziest part. He's incarcerated. This craziest part. He's incarcerated. This is and by the way, this is why we think is and by the way, this is why we think is and by the way, this is why we think he's in Rome. He says, as a result, it's he's in Rome. He says, as a result, it's he's in Rome. He says, as a result, it's become clear throughout the whole become clear throughout the whole become clear throughout the whole palace guard. In the old language, it's palace guard. In the old language, it's palace guard. In the old language, it's praetorian, but that just meant the the praetorian, but that just meant the the praetorian, but that just meant the the palace guard and most of the time in the palace guard and most of the time in the palace guard and most of the time in the old language, the praetorian guard of old language, the praetorian guard of old language, the praetorian guard of the palace guard, most of the time, they the palace guard, most of the time, they the palace guard, most of the time, they were the people assigned to guarding were the people assigned to guarding were the people assigned to guarding Caesar. This is why we think he's in Caesar. This is why we think he's in Caesar. This is why we think he's in Rome. And the And the Praetorian Guard Rome. And the And the Praetorian Guard Rome. And the And the Praetorian Guard generally were part army ranger and part generally were part army ranger and part generally were part army ranger and part secret service. In other words, they secret service. In other words, they secret service. In other words, they didn't end up in their roles because didn't end up in their roles because didn't end up in their roles because they knew the right people. They ended they knew the right people. They ended they knew the right people. They ended up in their roles cuz they were tough up in their roles cuz they were tough up in their roles cuz they were tough tough tough people. And he's assigned a tough tough people. And he's assigned a tough tough people. And he's assigned a palace guard and it not just to the palace guard and it not just to the palace guard and it not just to the palace guard, but to everyone else palace guard, but to everyone else palace guard, but to everyone else around them knows I'm in chains for around them knows I'm in chains for around them knows I'm in chains for Christ. Now, just picture this scene. Christ. Now, just picture this scene. Christ. Now, just picture this scene. What we think, and there's pretty good What we think, and there's pretty good What we think, and there's pretty good pretty good reason to believe this, is pretty good reason to believe this, is pretty good reason to believe this, is that Paul's not in a prison prison, but that Paul's not in a prison prison, but that Paul's not in a prison prison, but Paul's under a house arrest. And And Paul's under a house arrest. And And Paul's under a house arrest. And And that situation, a Praetorian Guard every that situation, a Praetorian Guard every that situation, a Praetorian Guard every so often would rotate in and get so often would rotate in and get so often would rotate in and get attached to Paul. Now, imagine being attached to Paul. Now, imagine being attached to Paul. Now, imagine being attached to someone like the Apostle attached to someone like the Apostle attached to someone like the Apostle Paul. Can you just picture the scene?

Paul. Can you just picture the scene? Paul. Can you just picture the scene? The soldier shows up and he looks at him The soldier shows up and he looks at him The soldier shows up and he looks at him and goes, and goes, and goes, "Your body armor's magnificent. It wraps "Your body armor's magnificent. It wraps "Your body armor's magnificent. It wraps around your whole torso. around your whole torso. around your whole torso. And that protects you. You know what And that protects you. You know what And that protects you. You know what will protect you even more than that? will protect you even more than that? will protect you even more than that? God's righteousness. God's righteousness. God's righteousness. You could get his armor and that helmet You could get his armor and that helmet You could get his armor and that helmet that that that looks I mean, it's sturdy, but is that looks I mean, it's sturdy, but is that looks I mean, it's sturdy, but is that heavy? Does that ever heavy? Does that ever heavy? Does that ever cause neck pain? I mean, do you cause neck pain? I mean, do you cause neck pain? I mean, do you How do you deal with all the weight up How do you deal with all the weight up How do you deal with all the weight up there? You know what helmet doesn't there? You know what helmet doesn't there? You know what helmet doesn't carry any weight? It actually eases your carry any weight? It actually eases your carry any weight? It actually eases your burden. It's the helmet of salvation. burden. It's the helmet of salvation. burden. It's the helmet of salvation. I don't know that Paul did that, but I don't know that Paul did that, but I don't know that Paul did that, but what we do know is that Paul wasn't good what we do know is that Paul wasn't good what we do know is that Paul wasn't good at keeping his mouth quiet. And when he at keeping his mouth quiet. And when he at keeping his mouth quiet. And when he was attached to that person, he was was attached to that person, he was was attached to that person, he was telling that person, "You know why I'm telling that person, "You know why I'm telling that person, "You know why I'm here?" And that person evidently, some here?" And that person evidently, some here?" And that person evidently, some of them got more and more curious. And of them got more and more curious. And of them got more and more curious. And as a result of their curiosity, more and as a result of their curiosity, more and as a result of their curiosity, more and more of the palace guards, like, "This more of the palace guards, like, "This more of the palace guards, like, "This guy's in jail for his beliefs that guy's in jail for his beliefs that guy's in jail for his beliefs that there's one true God and he sent his son there's one true God and he sent his son there's one true God and he sent his son and and weird enough, the palace guard and and weird enough, the palace guard and and weird enough, the palace guard ends up ends up ends up evangelizing the the other palace guard evangelizing the the other palace guard evangelizing the the other palace guard and a movement starts and and then and and a movement starts and and then and and a movement starts and and then and then it even gets richer than this. Next then it even gets richer than this. Next then it even gets richer than this. Next verse, this is what Paul says, and verse, this is what Paul says, and verse, this is what Paul says, and because not in spite of but because of because not in spite of but because of because not in spite of but because of my chains, most of the brothers and my chains, most of the brothers and my chains, most of the brothers and sisters what? The guys and gals living sisters what? The guys and gals living sisters what? The guys and gals living in Rome that aren't incarcerated because in Rome that aren't incarcerated because in Rome that aren't incarcerated because I'm incarcerated, they are more I'm incarcerated, they are more I'm incarcerated, they are more confident in the Lord and dare all the

confident in the Lord and dare all the confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without more to proclaim the gospel without more to proclaim the gospel without fear. And this is the weirdest thing fear. And this is the weirdest thing fear. And this is the weirdest thing that is true in the Christian faith that that is true in the Christian faith that that is true in the Christian faith that through the years, even now when through the years, even now when through the years, even now when Christians are persecuted, it emboldens Christians are persecuted, it emboldens Christians are persecuted, it emboldens other Christians. other Christians. other Christians. There's even a theory that part of the There's even a theory that part of the There's even a theory that part of the reason that as Americans we're a little reason that as Americans we're a little reason that as Americans we're a little lax in sharing our faith with others is lax in sharing our faith with others is lax in sharing our faith with others is cuz it's so easy to be one here. cuz it's so easy to be one here. cuz it's so easy to be one here. But in parts of the world where it's But in parts of the world where it's But in parts of the world where it's really difficult, there is a really difficult, there is a really difficult, there is a a thriving evangelism that's taking a thriving evangelism that's taking a thriving evangelism that's taking place. That's weird. And Paul would say place. That's weird. And Paul would say place. That's weird. And Paul would say it's not weird at all. it's not weird at all. it's not weird at all. I'm in I'm in chains and and what what's I'm in I'm in chains and and what what's I'm in I'm in chains and and what what's as a result of it? People are having as a result of it? People are having as a result of it? People are having more courage. more courage. more courage. There's a line in the old musical Les There's a line in the old musical Les There's a line in the old musical Les Mis, if you saw that back in the day, Mis, if you saw that back in the day, Mis, if you saw that back in the day, the the blood of the martyrs will water the the blood of the martyrs will water the the blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France. It's a moving the meadows of France. It's a moving the meadows of France. It's a moving song. It's very powerful song. And song. It's very powerful song. And song. It's very powerful song. And there's this weird bit that in some there's this weird bit that in some there's this weird bit that in some sectors, the the harder it is for you to sectors, the the harder it is for you to sectors, the the harder it is for you to live out what you believe, the stronger live out what you believe, the stronger live out what you believe, the stronger you are in your faith. And this is very you are in your faith. And this is very you are in your faith. And this is very very true of the Christian faith. And very true of the Christian faith. And very true of the Christian faith. And now, the the reality though, and this is now, the the reality though, and this is now, the the reality though, and this is where the story takes a turn and as where the story takes a turn and as where the story takes a turn and as Paul's, remember, he's writing a letter Paul's, remember, he's writing a letter Paul's, remember, he's writing a letter to friends in Philippi. They're not in to friends in Philippi. They're not in to friends in Philippi. They're not in Rome. He's probably in Rome. And this is Rome. He's probably in Rome. And this is Rome. He's probably in Rome. And this is what he says. Now, it is true as I tell what he says. Now, it is true as I tell what he says. Now, it is true as I tell you people are sharing their faith. It you people are sharing their faith. It you people are sharing their faith. It is true some people preach Christ out of is true some people preach Christ out of is true some people preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. The old language is envy and rivalry. The old language is envy and rivalry. The old language is vain conceit. I think really someone

vain conceit. I think really someone vain conceit. I think really someone does that, but others out of goodwill. does that, but others out of goodwill. does that, but others out of goodwill. And maybe this is Paul's way of And maybe this is Paul's way of And maybe this is Paul's way of lightening our load a little bit, cuz lightening our load a little bit, cuz lightening our load a little bit, cuz aren't there out there if you're if aren't there out there if you're if aren't there out there if you're if you're honest, don't shake your head or you're honest, don't shake your head or you're honest, don't shake your head or wave your hand, but aren't there some wave your hand, but aren't there some wave your hand, but aren't there some Christians out there that just drive you Christians out there that just drive you Christians out there that just drive you bonkers? bonkers? bonkers? I mean, they're real Christians. I I mean, they're real Christians. I I mean, they're real Christians. I Paul's talking about real Christians Paul's talking about real Christians Paul's talking about real Christians here. He's not talking about people who here. He's not talking about people who here. He's not talking about people who are teaching false stuff. They're real are teaching false stuff. They're real are teaching false stuff. They're real Christians, but apparently they just Christians, but apparently they just Christians, but apparently they just didn't like Paul or they thought Paul didn't like Paul or they thought Paul didn't like Paul or they thought Paul was their rival or maybe they were in was their rival or maybe they were in was their rival or maybe they were in the party of Peter or they were in the the party of Peter or they were in the the party of Peter or they were in the party of Barnabas or they they were in party of Barnabas or they they were in party of Barnabas or they they were in they were following somebody and and so they were following somebody and and so they were following somebody and and so Paul's like, "Hey, they're preaching out Paul's like, "Hey, they're preaching out Paul's like, "Hey, they're preaching out of out of envy and rivalry, which is of out of envy and rivalry, which is of out of envy and rivalry, which is just so strange to me, but I suppose just so strange to me, but I suppose just so strange to me, but I suppose it's happening now." I'm not saying that it's happening now." I'm not saying that it's happening now." I'm not saying that those weird people are out of rivalry, those weird people are out of rivalry, those weird people are out of rivalry, but may maybe there's some vanity in it. but may maybe there's some vanity in it. but may maybe there's some vanity in it. Maybe they're wanting attention for Maybe they're wanting attention for Maybe they're wanting attention for themselves. I I don't know. themselves. I I don't know. themselves. I I don't know. But Paul shows us something But Paul shows us something But Paul shows us something in a way in our own hearts how to deal in a way in our own hearts how to deal in a way in our own hearts how to deal with those people, genuine believers with those people, genuine believers with those people, genuine believers that just drive us bonkers. How do you that just drive us bonkers. How do you that just drive us bonkers. How do you deal with them? Well, deal with them? Well, deal with them? Well, he acknowledges others are doing it out he acknowledges others are doing it out he acknowledges others are doing it out of goodwill. And the latter do so out of of goodwill. And the latter do so out of of goodwill. And the latter do so out of love, knowing that I'm put here to fence love, knowing that I'm put here to fence love, knowing that I'm put here to fence the gospel, but these former preach the gospel, but these former preach the gospel, but these former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not Christ out of selfish ambition, not Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely supposing they can stir up sincerely supposing they can stir up sincerely supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I'm in chains.

trouble for me while I'm in chains. trouble for me while I'm in chains. Somehow their work is going to cause him Somehow their work is going to cause him Somehow their work is going to cause him more heartache. But this is the crazy more heartache. But this is the crazy more heartache. But this is the crazy part. part. part. As far I got to get better at this one. As far I got to get better at this one. As far I got to get better at this one. Cuz I'll be honest, I stopped there and Cuz I'll be honest, I stopped there and Cuz I'll be honest, I stopped there and I'm like, "Some of those Christians, I I'm like, "Some of those Christians, I I'm like, "Some of those Christians, I wish they'd just wish they'd just wish they'd just move somewhere else." No, that's not move somewhere else." No, that's not move somewhere else." No, that's not what he says. He says, "But what does it what he says. He says, "But what does it what he says. He says, "But what does it matter? matter? matter? What do I care? What do I care? What do I care? No, the important thing is that in every No, the important thing is that in every No, the important thing is that in every way, whether from bad motives." Now, way, whether from bad motives." Now, way, whether from bad motives." Now, they're not teaching false doctrine, they're not teaching false doctrine, they're not teaching false doctrine, they're just bad motives. Out of bad they're just bad motives. Out of bad they're just bad motives. Out of bad motives or true, motives or true, motives or true, Christ is preached. Christ is preached. Christ is preached. Christ is preached. Christ is preached. Christ is preached. Next I'm you're flipping around the TV Next I'm you're flipping around the TV Next I'm you're flipping around the TV dial and you got one of those people in dial and you got one of those people in dial and you got one of those people in a shiny suit selling something or a shiny suit selling something or a shiny suit selling something or another in the name of Jesus. You're another in the name of Jesus. You're another in the name of Jesus. You're like, "Oh, please stop." But I don't like, "Oh, please stop." But I don't like, "Oh, please stop." But I don't know, maybe God's using it. Lord God, know, maybe God's using it. Lord God, know, maybe God's using it. Lord God, use it. Use it somehow. And this is use it. Use it somehow. And this is use it. Use it somehow. And this is Paul's attitude. He shows us He shows us Paul's attitude. He shows us He shows us Paul's attitude. He shows us He shows us how to respond to them. how to respond to them. how to respond to them. He shows us how to have a a right heart. He shows us how to have a a right heart. He shows us how to have a a right heart. And and there must have been something And and there must have been something And and there must have been something happening divisions within the church of happening divisions within the church of happening divisions within the church of Rome.

Rome. Rome. Which is also Which is also Which is also another comfort I find. another comfort I find. another comfort I find. I don't know about you, but sometimes I I don't know about you, but sometimes I I don't know about you, but sometimes I wish wish wish our movement our church is part of a our movement our church is part of a our movement our church is part of a movement and one of the big pieces of movement and one of the big pieces of movement and one of the big pieces of our movement is we strive to be our movement is we strive to be our movement is we strive to be a unified people. We we we value unity. a unified people. We we we value unity. a unified people. We we we value unity. There are some groups out there that There are some groups out there that There are some groups out there that they value divisiveness or competition they value divisiveness or competition they value divisiveness or competition and we value unity. We love it when and we value unity. We love it when and we value unity. We love it when brothers and sisters get along. As the brothers and sisters get along. As the brothers and sisters get along. As the psalmist says, it's like when Aaron the psalmist says, it's like when Aaron the psalmist says, it's like when Aaron the high priest was anointed and oil ran high priest was anointed and oil ran high priest was anointed and oil ran over him. over him. over him. The the psalmist says, "When brothers The the psalmist says, "When brothers The the psalmist says, "When brothers and sisters in the Lord get along, it is and sisters in the Lord get along, it is and sisters in the Lord get along, it is like it's like fresh fallen snow on the like it's like fresh fallen snow on the like it's like fresh fallen snow on the mountain peaks that's going to give way mountain peaks that's going to give way mountain peaks that's going to give way to lush streams that we can draw to lush streams that we can draw to lush streams that we can draw sustenance from further down in the sustenance from further down in the sustenance from further down in the valley. That's what it's like." valley. That's what it's like." valley. That's what it's like." And it And it And it In the heart of our church, in the heart In the heart of our church, in the heart In the heart of our church, in the heart of our movement is one of of our movement is one of of our movement is one of we ought to be the kind of people that we ought to be the kind of people that we ought to be the kind of people that rally around the cross and therefore all rally around the cross and therefore all rally around the cross and therefore all the differences the differences the differences they fall apart. They fall away. And they fall apart. They fall away. And they fall apart. They fall away. And that's true, it should be like that. But that's true, it should be like that. But that's true, it should be like that. But then I look around and I'm like, "Boo.

then I look around and I'm like, "Boo. then I look around and I'm like, "Boo. We got labels everywhere. We got labels everywhere. We got labels everywhere. We got divisions in the church We got divisions in the church We got divisions in the church everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. And every now and then I'm stumbling And every now and then I'm stumbling And every now and then I'm stumbling around social media and someone gets on around social media and someone gets on around social media and someone gets on their soapbox about divisions in the their soapbox about divisions in the their soapbox about divisions in the church and I I just want to be like, church and I I just want to be like, church and I I just want to be like, "Hey, check out Philippians 1." "Hey, check out Philippians 1." "Hey, check out Philippians 1." Cuz in Rome, there was divisions in that Cuz in Rome, there was divisions in that Cuz in Rome, there was divisions in that church, too. And God still did his work. church, too. And God still did his work. church, too. And God still did his work. Now, that's not an encouragement to be Now, that's not an encouragement to be Now, that's not an encouragement to be divisive, not at all. But, it is a divisive, not at all. But, it is a divisive, not at all. But, it is a reminder that God's at work, no matter reminder that God's at work, no matter reminder that God's at work, no matter the situation. He uses the frailty of us the situation. He uses the frailty of us the situation. He uses the frailty of us to accomplish his stuff. to accomplish his stuff. to accomplish his stuff. Well, then then Well, then then Well, then then Paul then goes on. He Paul then goes on. He Paul then goes on. He He's a He's a He's a real long-term He's a He's a He's a real long-term He's a He's a He's a real long-term thinker in this He He wants us to see thinker in this He He wants us to see thinker in this He He wants us to see something here. And I I think in terms something here. And I I think in terms something here. And I I think in terms of outlines and principles. And here's a of outlines and principles. And here's a of outlines and principles. And here's a Here's a third principle for us to Here's a third principle for us to Here's a third principle for us to consider. Draw if if you want to root consider. Draw if if you want to root consider. Draw if if you want to root your purpose in life in a your purpose in life in a your purpose in life in a in a strong, firm foundation, draw in a strong, firm foundation, draw in a strong, firm foundation, draw proper perspective proper perspective proper perspective through an eternal outlook.

through an eternal outlook. through an eternal outlook. So, in other words, we can think in So, in other words, we can think in So, in other words, we can think in terms of what's at our feet in the terms of what's at our feet in the terms of what's at our feet in the temporary, or we can think long-term. temporary, or we can think long-term. temporary, or we can think long-term. And so, there's an encouragement to link And so, there's an encouragement to link And so, there's an encouragement to link think long-term. think long-term. think long-term. One of my favorite hymns, and it's One of my favorite hymns, and it's One of my favorite hymns, and it's probably one of your favorite, too, is probably one of your favorite, too, is probably one of your favorite, too, is Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace. Amazing Grace. And there's a lyric in Amazing Grace. And there's a lyric in Amazing Grace. And there's a lyric in Amazing Grace. It's the fourth stanza, and we don't It's the fourth stanza, and we don't It's the fourth stanza, and we don't sing it as often as I think we should. sing it as often as I think we should. sing it as often as I think we should. But, it goes like this, "When we've been But, it goes like this, "When we've been But, it goes like this, "When we've been there 10,000 years, bright shining as there 10,000 years, bright shining as there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, the sun, the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise we've no less days to sing God's praise we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun." than when we first begun." than when we first begun." Now, just think about that for a minute. Now, just think about that for a minute. Now, just think about that for a minute. Well, when Well, when Well, when when my daughter announced when my daughter announced when my daughter announced a year ago that she was expecting our a year ago that she was expecting our a year ago that she was expecting our first grandson, he's 3 and 1/2 months first grandson, he's 3 and 1/2 months first grandson, he's 3 and 1/2 months old now, and he's perfect. But, old now, and he's perfect. But, old now, and he's perfect. But, when when when And and and the the conversation was And and and the the conversation was And and and the the conversation was like, "How do you feel that, you know, like, "How do you feel that, you know, like, "How do you feel that, you know, you're going to be a grandpa?" And I'm you're going to be a grandpa?" And I'm you're going to be a grandpa?" And I'm like, like, like, oh, there you you're oh, there you you're oh, there you you're you're creating an you're creating an you're creating an There's an eternal soul in you.

There's an eternal soul in you. There's an eternal soul in you. Every tear, left and right, are eternal Every tear, left and right, are eternal Every tear, left and right, are eternal things. things. things. C.S. Lewis says "If we could really see C.S. Lewis says "If we could really see C.S. Lewis says "If we could really see another person as in all the glory in another person as in all the glory in another person as in all the glory in which Christ will someday reveal in us, which Christ will someday reveal in us, which Christ will someday reveal in us, we would be we'd be tempted to worship we would be we'd be tempted to worship we would be we'd be tempted to worship the other person." the other person." the other person." We're we're we're temporal in our skin We're we're we're temporal in our skin We're we're we're temporal in our skin and flesh, but we are made of something and flesh, but we are made of something and flesh, but we are made of something that lasts far beyond this. And so, when that lasts far beyond this. And so, when that lasts far beyond this. And so, when that stanza of Amazing Grace is sung that stanza of Amazing Grace is sung that stanza of Amazing Grace is sung next and you sing it, "When we've been next and you sing it, "When we've been next and you sing it, "When we've been there 10,000 years." I want you to think there 10,000 years." I want you to think there 10,000 years." I want you to think about your life 10,000 years from now. about your life 10,000 years from now. about your life 10,000 years from now. It's trippy, isn't it? It's weird. It's It's trippy, isn't it? It's weird. It's It's trippy, isn't it? It's weird. It's almost uncomfortable. What will it be almost uncomfortable. What will it be almost uncomfortable. What will it be like? like? like? This is what Paul says. He He roots his This is what Paul says. He He roots his This is what Paul says. He He roots his purpose in life, his outlook, in purpose in life, his outlook, in purpose in life, his outlook, in something very eternal. Yes, I'll something very eternal. Yes, I'll something very eternal. Yes, I'll continue to rejoice, for I know that continue to rejoice, for I know that continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision through your prayers and God's provision through your prayers and God's provision of the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has of the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has of the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to to me will turn out for my happened to to me will turn out for my happened to to me will turn out for my deliverance. So, he has some idea that deliverance. So, he has some idea that deliverance. So, he has some idea that he probably will get out of prison. I he probably will get out of prison. I he probably will get out of prison. I eagerly expect and I hope that I will in eagerly expect and I hope that I will in eagerly expect and I hope that I will in no way be ashamed, which is also no way be ashamed, which is also no way be ashamed, which is also interesting that Paul's like, "I could interesting that Paul's like, "I could interesting that Paul's like, "I could be ashamed." Which Paul to me seems like be ashamed." Which Paul to me seems like be ashamed." Which Paul to me seems like the most courageous man in the Bible the most courageous man in the Bible the most courageous man in the Bible apart from Jesus, who's also the son of apart from Jesus, who's also the son of apart from Jesus, who's also the son of God, but Paul, he's so courageous and God, but Paul, he's so courageous and God, but Paul, he's so courageous and yet he's like, "I don't want to be yet he's like, "I don't want to be yet he's like, "I don't want to be ashamed.

ashamed. ashamed. I don't want to let God down. I don't want to let God down. I don't want to let God down. Uh but will have sufficient courage so Uh but will have sufficient courage so Uh but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be that now as always Christ will be that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body." And this is the exalted in my body." And this is the exalted in my body." And this is the line, "Whether by what?" line, "Whether by what?" line, "Whether by what?" Life or what? Life or what? Life or what? Uh let's try that again. All right. Uh let's try that again. All right. Uh let's try that again. All right. Whether by Whether by Whether by or by or by or by death. death. death. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine that? Can you imagine that? Imagine yourself in a situation where Imagine yourself in a situation where Imagine yourself in a situation where you're like, "I You know what? It's you're like, "I You know what? It's you're like, "I You know what? It's okay. I might die. okay. I might die. okay. I might die. I'm okay with that." I'm okay with that." I'm okay with that." And and and Paul And and and Paul And and and Paul Paul wants his courage Paul wants his courage Paul wants his courage in life to match the courage on his pen in life to match the courage on his pen in life to match the courage on his pen as he acknowledges this whole thing may as he acknowledges this whole thing may as he acknowledges this whole thing may not turn out the way I think it's going not turn out the way I think it's going not turn out the way I think it's going to turn out. I may not be released. to turn out. I may not be released. to turn out. I may not be released. Whether I live on or whether this is the Whether I live on or whether this is the Whether I live on or whether this is the end of me, end of me, end of me, I'm good with that. And then the most I'm good with that. And then the most I'm good with that. And then the most one of the most famous lines, probably one of the most famous lines, probably one of the most famous lines, probably the most famous line in this letter, the most famous line in this letter, the most famous line in this letter, for me for me for me to live is Christ.

to live is Christ. to live is Christ. Let this sink in. For me to live is Let this sink in. For me to live is Let this sink in. For me to live is Christ. Christ. Christ. And to die is what? And to die is what? And to die is what? Gain. Gain. Gain. Can you say that? For me to live is Christ, to die is For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. And And this is what's wild about gain. And And this is what's wild about gain. And And this is what's wild about Paul is if you know his biography, and Paul is if you know his biography, and Paul is if you know his biography, and it's okay if you don't, it's it's okay if you don't, it's it's okay if you don't, it's fascinating, but he grows up in a who's fascinating, but he grows up in a who's fascinating, but he grows up in a who's who prominent Jewish family, studies who prominent Jewish family, studies who prominent Jewish family, studies under the right people. And so before under the right people. And so before under the right people. And so before Christ invades his life, Paul would have Christ invades his life, Paul would have Christ invades his life, Paul would have said this. He would have said, "For me said this. He would have said, "For me said this. He would have said, "For me to live is Torah." to live is Torah." to live is Torah." For me to live is the law. And I hazard a guess that many of us, if And I hazard a guess that many of us, if we were to fill in the blank, it may not we were to fill in the blank, it may not we were to fill in the blank, it may not say Christ. say Christ. say Christ. I'm not judging. I I'm not I don't know. I'm not judging. I I'm not I don't know. I'm not judging. I I'm not I don't know. I'm just This is a pause and reflect I'm just This is a pause and reflect I'm just This is a pause and reflect kind of moment. kind of moment. kind of moment. Can you say, "For me to live is Christ?" Can you say, "For me to live is Christ?" Can you say, "For me to live is Christ?" I suspect many of us would go, "For me I suspect many of us would go, "For me I suspect many of us would go, "For me to live is my family. They give me so to live is my family. They give me so to live is my family. They give me so much rich meaning. If I lost them, much rich meaning. If I lost them, much rich meaning. If I lost them, gig would be up."

gig would be up." gig would be up." For me to live is my career. For me to live is my career. For me to live is my career. For me to live is my house, my car, my For me to live is my house, my car, my For me to live is my house, my car, my collection, my stuff, my physique, my collection, my stuff, my physique, my collection, my stuff, my physique, my relationships. relationships. relationships. And there's a lot of things that go in And there's a lot of things that go in And there's a lot of things that go in the blank. My experiences. the blank. My experiences. the blank. My experiences. I felt bad for all the people who I felt bad for all the people who I felt bad for all the people who planned the perfect party yesterday only planned the perfect party yesterday only planned the perfect party yesterday only to have the rain wash everything out. to have the rain wash everything out. to have the rain wash everything out. For me to live is to throw the perfect For me to live is to throw the perfect For me to live is to throw the perfect party. party. party. And then the rain comes. How How you, And then the rain comes. How How you, And then the rain comes. How How you, God? And it's okay to be disappointed, and And it's okay to be disappointed, and I'm not saying that our family isn't I'm not saying that our family isn't I'm not saying that our family isn't important and our relationships aren't important and our relationships aren't important and our relationships aren't important. I'm not saying our career is important. I'm not saying our career is important. I'm not saying our career is not important or even our the resources not important or even our the resources not important or even our the resources God's entrusted to us. I'm not saying God's entrusted to us. I'm not saying God's entrusted to us. I'm not saying those aren't important. They just can't those aren't important. They just can't those aren't important. They just can't be primary things. be primary things. be primary things. And Paul says the primary thing in in my And Paul says the primary thing in in my And Paul says the primary thing in in my life is Christ. And then he goes on to life is Christ. And then he goes on to life is Christ. And then he goes on to say this. say this. say this. He says, "If I if I go on living in the He says, "If I if I go on living in the He says, "If I if I go on living in the body, it'll mean fruitful labor for me. body, it'll mean fruitful labor for me. body, it'll mean fruitful labor for me. I'm I'm going to keep working to advance I'm I'm going to keep working to advance I'm I'm going to keep working to advance God's work and minister. Yet what shall God's work and minister. Yet what shall God's work and minister. Yet what shall I choose? I don't know. I'm torn between I choose? I don't know. I'm torn between I choose? I don't know. I'm torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with the two. I desire to depart and be with the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ." I Christ." I Christ." I That's so wild. He's letting us in and That's so wild. He's letting us in and That's so wild. He's letting us in and his His letters are like journals and his His letters are like journals and his His letters are like journals and he's like, "I actually, as I pen this, he's like, "I actually, as I pen this, he's like, "I actually, as I pen this, would rather be gone. So, if Rome rules would rather be gone. So, if Rome rules would rather be gone. So, if Rome rules against me, yeehaw, cuz I'm out of here.

against me, yeehaw, cuz I'm out of here. against me, yeehaw, cuz I'm out of here. I desire to depart and be with Christ, I desire to depart and be with Christ, I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far. which is better by far. which is better by far. But for you, it's probably better for me But for you, it's probably better for me But for you, it's probably better for me to stay." Convinced of this, to stay." Convinced of this, to stay." Convinced of this, "I know I'll remain. I'll continue with "I know I'll remain. I'll continue with "I know I'll remain. I'll continue with all of you in your progress." And and all of you in your progress." And and all of you in your progress." And and he's not deal making with God like God, he's not deal making with God like God, he's not deal making with God like God, they really need me here. He's just they really need me here. He's just they really need me here. He's just saying apparently the spirit revealed to saying apparently the spirit revealed to saying apparently the spirit revealed to him he's got more work to do so that him he's got more work to do so that him he's got more work to do so that being with you you again, your boasting being with you you again, your boasting being with you you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account in Christ Jesus will abound on account in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. And he he's he as he's talking of me. And he he's he as he's talking of me. And he he's he as he's talking about the life after, he's not being about the life after, he's not being about the life after, he's not being sentimental. sentimental. sentimental. He is he is yearning He is he is yearning He is he is yearning to be with God. to be with God. to be with God. He He He This isn't Paul saying, "Ah, if I was This isn't Paul saying, "Ah, if I was This isn't Paul saying, "Ah, if I was with God, I could finally play the back with God, I could finally play the back with God, I could finally play the back nine." nine." nine." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> If I >> If I >> If I If I If I die, I'm finally going to have If I If I die, I'm finally going to have If I If I die, I'm finally going to have the day on the lake without the annoying the day on the lake without the annoying the day on the lake without the annoying complaining kids all around, you know? complaining kids all around, you know? complaining kids all around, you know? It's going to be good. It's going to be good. It's going to be good. And sometimes I do a lot of funerals. I And sometimes I do a lot of funerals. I And sometimes I do a lot of funerals. I attend a lot of funerals and sometimes attend a lot of funerals and sometimes attend a lot of funerals and sometimes we do those story tellings in funeral.

we do those story tellings in funeral. we do those story tellings in funeral. Oh, he's up there playing the softball Oh, he's up there playing the softball Oh, he's up there playing the softball game in the up there in the clouds. and game in the up there in the clouds. and game in the up there in the clouds. and I I I'll be honest with you if if I can I I I'll be honest with you if if I can I I I'll be honest with you if if I can please please please if if you said that and I was at the if if you said that and I was at the if if you said that and I was at the funeral when you said that, I'm not funeral when you said that, I'm not funeral when you said that, I'm not judging you but just know I was judging judging you but just know I was judging judging you but just know I was judging you. I'm honestly I sometimes I'm sitting I'm honestly I sometimes I'm sitting there and like this thought this there and like this thought this there and like this thought this theology is so improper. This is not in theology is so improper. This is not in theology is so improper. This is not in the Bible. It's uh the Bible. It's uh the Bible. It's uh at best it's old pagan ritual practices. at best it's old pagan ritual practices. at best it's old pagan ritual practices. Okay, this is not right. Okay, this is not right. Okay, this is not right. No, what Paul's saying is this it's No, what Paul's saying is this it's No, what Paul's saying is this it's better than anything you can ever better than anything you can ever better than anything you can ever imagine. imagine. imagine. The person, the thing. The person, the thing. The person, the thing. The one who made all of it. Everything The one who made all of it. Everything The one who made all of it. Everything you love, everything you love. The The you love, everything you love. The The you love, everything you love. The The one who made that one who made that one who made that when the believer dies we go to be with when the believer dies we go to be with when the believer dies we go to be with that one. that one. that one. And whatever you have thought, oh if And whatever you have thought, oh if And whatever you have thought, oh if only mhm he's got something better. he's got something better. We're just seeing We're just seeing We're just seeing we're just seeing his handywork. The The we're just seeing his handywork. The The we're just seeing his handywork. The The things the handywork that you look things the handywork that you look things the handywork that you look around and you go ah this is lovely. His around and you go ah this is lovely. His around and you go ah this is lovely. His handywork when we're in his presence handywork when we're in his presence handywork when we're in his presence is literally perfect.

is literally perfect. is literally perfect. All the imperfections that we've grown All the imperfections that we've grown All the imperfections that we've grown accustomed to gone. accustomed to gone. accustomed to gone. And so Paul's like, you know, for your And so Paul's like, you know, for your And so Paul's like, you know, for your your your your for you it's necessary your your your for you it's necessary your your your for you it's necessary for me to stay but honestly I want to be for me to stay but honestly I want to be for me to stay but honestly I want to be where the good stuff is cuz that's where where the good stuff is cuz that's where where the good stuff is cuz that's where God is. God is. God is. And that's really the perspective. That And that's really the perspective. That And that's really the perspective. That that's the the rooting purpose. That's that's the the rooting purpose. That's that's the the rooting purpose. That's no cop out. That makes you better here no cop out. That makes you better here no cop out. That makes you better here to think about life there because that to think about life there because that to think about life there because that means what I do here has impact there. means what I do here has impact there. means what I do here has impact there. Just think about this, the one thing we Just think about this, the one thing we Just think about this, the one thing we we'll be able to learn when we're with we'll be able to learn when we're with we'll be able to learn when we're with God. 10,000 years we'll be able to study God. 10,000 years we'll be able to study God. 10,000 years we'll be able to study and learn. There'll be things to learn. and learn. There'll be things to learn. and learn. There'll be things to learn. God made us curious. There'll be God made us curious. There'll be God made us curious. There'll be relationships. We can fellowship with relationships. We can fellowship with relationships. We can fellowship with people. They'll be better cuz there people. They'll be better cuz there people. They'll be better cuz there won't be gossip and there won't be won't be gossip and there won't be won't be gossip and there won't be miscommunication. We'll the flaws will miscommunication. We'll the flaws will miscommunication. We'll the flaws will be gone. We'll be able to worship. I I be gone. We'll be able to worship. I I be gone. We'll be able to worship. I I will finally be able to sing. will finally be able to sing. will finally be able to sing. You don't know this, but I lip-sync. You don't know this, but I lip-sync. You don't know this, but I lip-sync. When I was a little boy, my grandfather When I was a little boy, my grandfather When I was a little boy, my grandfather would say, "Billy, I pray the Lord calls would say, "Billy, I pray the Lord calls would say, "Billy, I pray the Lord calls you to sing gospel music." And then as I you to sing gospel music." And then as I you to sing gospel music." And then as I got older and he heard me sing, he said, got older and he heard me sing, he said, got older and he heard me sing, he said, "Billy, I pray the Lord calls you to "Billy, I pray the Lord calls you to "Billy, I pray the Lord calls you to preach."

We'll be able to do all those things. We'll be able to do all those things. You know what we won't be able to do You know what we won't be able to do You know what we won't be able to do when we're with God someday? Tell when we're with God someday? Tell when we're with God someday? Tell someone else about Jesus. someone else about Jesus. someone else about Jesus. Only on this life Only in this life can Only on this life Only in this life can Only on this life Only in this life can we do that. we do that. we do that. Doesn't mean they'll respond, but we get Doesn't mean they'll respond, but we get Doesn't mean they'll respond, but we get to do that. We get to have that kind of to do that. We get to have that kind of to do that. We get to have that kind of courageous When we're with the Lord, courageous When we're with the Lord, courageous When we're with the Lord, we're like, "Hey, have I told you about we're like, "Hey, have I told you about we're like, "Hey, have I told you about Jesus?" The person next to you will be Jesus?" The person next to you will be Jesus?" The person next to you will be like, like, like, "He's right there." But on this life, and so Paul says But on this life, and so Paul says fruitful ministry. Eternity's in the balance in this life. Eternity's in the balance in this life. In 2003, a friend of mine, he was a In 2003, a friend of mine, he was a In 2003, a friend of mine, he was a chaplain in the chaplain in the chaplain in the army. He just retired this year and had army. He just retired this year and had army. He just retired this year and had a long and great career. But in 2003, he a long and great career. But in 2003, he a long and great career. But in 2003, he was assigned to the 507th was assigned to the 507th was assigned to the 507th maintenance unit, which was stationed, I maintenance unit, which was stationed, I maintenance unit, which was stationed, I believe, out of Texas. And And so they believe, out of Texas. And And so they believe, out of Texas. And And so they were in the desert of Kuwait, and Scott were in the desert of Kuwait, and Scott were in the desert of Kuwait, and Scott challenged the the soldiers that were in challenged the the soldiers that were in challenged the the soldiers that were in his arena of responsibilities. He says, his arena of responsibilities. He says, his arena of responsibilities. He says, "We're on the eve of war, and it's time "We're on the eve of war, and it's time "We're on the eve of war, and it's time to make sure you know where you stand to make sure you know where you stand to make sure you know where you stand with God." And so he challenged, and a with God." And so he challenged, and a with God." And so he challenged, and a couple of the soldiers responded, and couple of the soldiers responded, and couple of the soldiers responded, and they said, "Yeah, I want to turn my life they said, "Yeah, I want to turn my life they said, "Yeah, I want to turn my life over to Christ, and I want to get over to Christ, and I want to get over to Christ, and I want to get baptized." Which was problematic cuz baptized." Which was problematic cuz baptized." Which was problematic cuz they're in Kuwait in the desert, and they're in Kuwait in the desert, and they're in Kuwait in the desert, and there's not a lot of water. And so there's not a lot of water. And so there's not a lot of water. And so the soldiers dug a trench, lined it with the soldiers dug a trench, lined it with the soldiers dug a trench, lined it with tarps.

tarps. tarps. But the army said, "Drinking Water's for But the army said, "Drinking Water's for But the army said, "Drinking Water's for drinking, not for that." But they drinking, not for that." But they drinking, not for that." But they acquired some drinking water, just acquired some drinking water, just acquired some drinking water, just enough, filled the trench. And and Scott enough, filled the trench. And and Scott enough, filled the trench. And and Scott baptized a couple of the soldiers. And baptized a couple of the soldiers. And baptized a couple of the soldiers. And it just so happened that Robert Riggs, it just so happened that Robert Riggs, it just so happened that Robert Riggs, who's a reporter in the Dallas-Fort who's a reporter in the Dallas-Fort who's a reporter in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was embedded with the Worth area, was embedded with the Worth area, was embedded with the troops, and he actually filmed it. And troops, and he actually filmed it. And troops, and he actually filmed it. And so, we have that film. I I It's about a so, we have that film. I I It's about a so, we have that film. I I It's about a minute long. The quality's not great, minute long. The quality's not great, minute long. The quality's not great, but I just wanted you to see my friend but I just wanted you to see my friend but I just wanted you to see my friend Chaplain Scott Koomin baptizing a couple Chaplain Scott Koomin baptizing a couple Chaplain Scott Koomin baptizing a couple of soldiers in the desert. So, just tune of soldiers in the desert. So, just tune of soldiers in the desert. So, just tune your attention to the screens. your attention to the screens. your attention to the screens. >> On the sand. >> On the sand. >> On the sand. >> It's also the hour of decision for >> It's also the hour of decision for >> It's also the hour of decision for 22-year-old Specialist James Keel of 22-year-old Specialist James Keel of 22-year-old Specialist James Keel of Comfort, Texas, outside San Antonio. Comfort, Texas, outside San Antonio. Comfort, Texas, outside San Antonio. Keel is due to become a father soon. The Keel is due to become a father soon. The Keel is due to become a father soon. The 2 and 1/2-year Army vet says he wants 2 and 1/2-year Army vet says he wants 2 and 1/2-year Army vet says he wants Christ to help put his life on a new Christ to help put his life on a new Christ to help put his life on a new path. path. path. >> You always got the threat of something >> You always got the threat of something >> You always got the threat of something new. new. new. You know, every morning you wake up You know, every morning you wake up You know, every morning you wake up there's a chance that, you know, next there's a chance that, you know, next there's a chance that, you know, next morning you may not wake up. morning you may not wake up. morning you may not wake up. >> Do you believe >> Do you believe >> Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your only Lord and that Jesus Christ is your only Lord and that Jesus Christ is your only Lord and Savior?

Savior? Savior? >> I do. >> I do. >> I do. >> Baldridge and Keel stripped down to >> Baldridge and Keel stripped down to >> Baldridge and Keel stripped down to T-shirts and battle dress pants. They T-shirts and battle dress pants. They T-shirts and battle dress pants. They stepped into the baptismal wearing stepped into the baptismal wearing stepped into the baptismal wearing combat boots for full immersion. combat boots for full immersion. combat boots for full immersion. >> you >> you >> you in the name of the Father, in the name of the Father, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. >> This marks the Patriot Battalion's third >> This marks the Patriot Battalion's third and fourth desert baptisms in the fifth and fourth desert baptisms in the fifth and fourth desert baptisms in the fifth week of Captain Koomin's ministry as an week of Captain Koomin's ministry as an week of Captain Koomin's ministry as an active-duty chaplain. active-duty chaplain. active-duty chaplain. Chaplain Koomin urges his soldiers to Chaplain Koomin urges his soldiers to Chaplain Koomin urges his soldiers to take inventory of their hearts and trust take inventory of their hearts and trust take inventory of their hearts and trust their security to the Lord. their security to the Lord. their security to the Lord. >> Amen. >> Stuff matters. >> Stuff matters. This is a handful of days later that This is a handful of days later that This is a handful of days later that unit rolled into Iraq, and Specialist unit rolled into Iraq, and Specialist unit rolled into Iraq, and Specialist James Keel James Keel James Keel >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> was killed in an ambush. I don't I don't share that story to I don't I don't share that story to manipulate us in any way. I this is manipulate us in any way. I this is manipulate us in any way. I this is it's an exclamation point on what it's an exclamation point on what it's an exclamation point on what matters most in life.

We're going to go somewhere. We're going We're going to go somewhere. We're going to live on. And in Paul worked 2,000 years ago just And in Paul worked 2,000 years ago just like our church works today to spread like our church works today to spread like our church works today to spread the message of Jesus. That eternity hangs in the balance. That eternity hangs in the balance. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And that that's that is actually why >> And that that's that is actually why >> And that that's that is actually why we celebrate communion together. we celebrate communion together. we celebrate communion together. We we do this once a month. Some We we do this once a month. Some We we do this once a month. Some traditions do it every time they gather. traditions do it every time they gather. traditions do it every time they gather. Some do it quarterly. Some do it less Some do it quarterly. Some do it less Some do it quarterly. Some do it less frequently than that. We do this every frequently than that. We do this every frequently than that. We do this every month because every time we hold those month because every time we hold those month because every time we hold those elements in our hand, we're reminded of elements in our hand, we're reminded of elements in our hand, we're reminded of something. something. something. We're reminded that the hope that we We're reminded that the hope that we We're reminded that the hope that we have isn't because we're optimistic have isn't because we're optimistic have isn't because we're optimistic people and we look around and we see people and we look around and we see people and we look around and we see more good in the world than there is more good in the world than there is more good in the world than there is bad. bad. bad. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we better roll up our sleeves and >> And we better roll up our sleeves and >> And we better roll up our sleeves and make the world a better place. We look make the world a better place. We look make the world a better place. We look around and see a world that is broken around and see a world that is broken around and see a world that is broken and fractured and full of sin. But God and fractured and full of sin. But God and fractured and full of sin. But God in his love and grace and his mercy sent in his love and grace and his mercy sent in his love and grace and his mercy sent the Lord Jesus into [music] this world the Lord Jesus into [music] this world the Lord Jesus into [music] this world inviting us in.

And so that's why Jesus even told us do And so that's why Jesus even told us do this. this. this. Do this to remember me, what I've done Do this to remember me, what I've done Do this to remember me, what I've done for you. for you. for you. And so I would invite us as you take the And so I would invite us as you take the And so I would invite us as you take the bread, Jesus himself he equated the bread, Jesus himself he equated the bread, Jesus himself he equated the bread with his body. bread with his body. bread with his body. His body that wasn't taken from him, but His body that wasn't taken from him, but His body that wasn't taken from him, but it was willingly given. it was willingly given. it was willingly given. And in a visceral way when we taste And in a visceral way when we taste And in a visceral way when we taste [music] the bread, we're reminded that [music] the bread, we're reminded that [music] the bread, we're reminded that substance, flesh was given substance, flesh was given substance, flesh was given for us. for us. for us. So I would invite us to remember So I would invite us to remember So I would invite us to remember >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Christ's body given for us. And it wasn't just a body, it was And it wasn't just a body, it was real as we would say flesh and blood. real as we would say flesh and blood. real as we would say flesh and blood. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> His body was given, but his blood was >> His body was given, but his blood was >> His body was given, but his blood was shed. It was drained out. It was shed. It was drained out. It was shed. It was drained out. It was spilled for us. [music] spilled for us. [music] spilled for us. [music] And so And so And so what better emblem of that was the cup.

what better emblem of that was the cup. what better emblem of that was the cup. And so when Christ lifts up the cup, he And so when Christ lifts up the cup, he And so when Christ lifts up the cup, he says, "This is my [music] says, "This is my [music] says, "This is my [music] blood. You you when you taste it, you're blood. You you when you taste it, you're blood. You you when you taste it, you're going to remember something very real going to remember something very real going to remember something very real was done." was done." was done." And so I'd invite us to take together. >> And in so doing, we're reminded that the >> And in so doing, we're reminded that the hope that we have is in the gospel. And hope that we have is in the gospel. And hope that we have is in the gospel. And what is a simple way of seeing the what is a simple way of seeing the what is a simple way of seeing the gospel? gospel? gospel? I'm sorry, you don't have it. I'm sorry, you don't have it. I'm sorry, you don't have it. You don't have what you need. None of us You don't have what you need. None of us You don't have what you need. None of us do. do. do. But in Christ, when Christ is in [music] But in Christ, when Christ is in [music] But in Christ, when Christ is in [music] us, us, us, when we surrender our life to him, we when we surrender our life to him, we when we surrender our life to him, we have hope now have hope now have hope now and forever. and forever. and forever. And so at the end of the service, like And so at the end of the service, like And so at the end of the service, like we always do, we invite people to come we always do, we invite people to come we always do, we invite people to come down front for prayer. Maybe today's the down front for prayer. Maybe today's the down front for prayer. Maybe today's the day you have something on your heart you day you have something on your heart you day you have something on your heart you want prayed over. And maybe today's the want prayed over. And maybe today's the want prayed over. And maybe today's the day you want to be prayed with [music] day you want to be prayed with [music] day you want to be prayed with [music] to accept Christ. to accept Christ. to accept Christ. We would invite you to do that. We would invite you to do that. We would invite you to do that. And if you're brand new with us, we're And if you're brand new with us, we're And if you're brand new with us, we're trying something new in the month of trying something new in the month of trying something new in the month of July. Meet me down in the front corner July. Meet me down in the front corner July. Meet me down in the front corner there if you're brand new or newer to there if you're brand new or newer to there if you're brand new or newer to Crossings, [music] I'd love to meet you.

Crossings, [music] I'd love to meet you. Crossings, [music] I'd love to meet you. I'd love to get to know you and hear a I'd love to get to know you and hear a I'd love to get to know you and hear a little bit about you. little bit about you. little bit about you. Would you do this if if you're willing Would you do this if if you're willing Would you do this if if you're willing and able, would you stand with me and and able, would you stand with me and and able, would you stand with me and [music] we'll close our time together in [music] we'll close our time together in [music] we'll close our time together in prayer. prayer. prayer. Heavenly Father, we're grateful for your Heavenly Father, we're grateful for your Heavenly Father, we're grateful for your fine gifts to us. We're fine gifts to us. We're fine gifts to us. We're we're cognizant of the country that we we're cognizant of the country that we we're cognizant of the country that we reside in, that we live in, that we call reside in, that we live in, that we call reside in, that we live in, that we call home. And that here we are, we have been home. And that here we are, we have been home. And that here we are, we have been able to publicly praise you and learn of able to publicly praise you and learn of able to publicly praise you and learn of you in this fine land. you in this fine land. you in this fine land. She's not perfect, She's not perfect, She's not perfect, but we're grateful for her. but we're grateful for her. but we're grateful for her. And we're grateful most of all, Lord And we're grateful most of all, Lord And we're grateful most of all, Lord Jesus, for you Jesus, for you Jesus, for you who gives us hope that even if we are on who gives us hope that even if we are on who gives us hope that even if we are on the eve of a very, very big trial, we the eve of a very, very big trial, we the eve of a very, very big trial, we know know know >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you are with us here and forever. We >> you are with us here and forever. We >> you are with us here and forever. We pray it in Jesus' blessed name, and pray it in Jesus' blessed name, and pray it in Jesus' blessed name, and everyone said, everyone said, everyone said, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> "Amen and amen."