Fight to the Finish | 9:30 am | Dr. Jarrett Stephens

It's a It's a freeable. Good morning, church family, and welcome

Good morning, church family, and welcome to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you to Green Acres. We're so glad that you chose to worship with us today. Whether chose to worship with us today. Whether chose to worship with us today. Whether this is your first time visiting or this is your first time visiting or this is your first time visiting or you've been coming for your entire life, you've been coming for your entire life, you've been coming for your entire life, we're so glad that you're here. If this we're so glad that you're here. If this we're so glad that you're here. If this is your first time visiting or maybe you is your first time visiting or maybe you is your first time visiting or maybe you haven't gotten connected yet, we would haven't gotten connected yet, we would haven't gotten connected yet, we would love to connect with you. Please do us a love to connect with you. Please do us a love to connect with you. Please do us a favor and text the word connect to favor and text the word connect to favor and text the word connect to 903-5251100. One of our staff members will reach out One of our staff members will reach out to you this week. We'll offer to pray to you this week. We'll offer to pray to you this week. We'll offer to pray with you and help you find your place with you and help you find your place with you and help you find your place here. Whether that's a connect group or here. Whether that's a connect group or here. Whether that's a connect group or serving or if you just have questions in serving or if you just have questions in serving or if you just have questions in general about the church, we'd love to general about the church, we'd love to general about the church, we'd love to answer those for you. August 9th is our multiply conference. August 9th is our multiply conference. At this conference, leaders from every At this conference, leaders from every At this conference, leaders from every campus will come together to connect, campus will come together to connect, campus will come together to connect, grow, and multiply, and to celebrate grow, and multiply, and to celebrate grow, and multiply, and to celebrate what God is doing across our church what God is doing across our church what God is doing across our church family. Whether you serve in kids family. Whether you serve in kids family. Whether you serve in kids ministry, students, women's, missions, ministry, students, women's, missions, ministry, students, women's, missions, safety, adults, or guest services, or safety, adults, or guest services, or safety, adults, or guest services, or any ministry across Green Acres, this any ministry across Green Acres, this any ministry across Green Acres, this night is designed with you in mind.

Church family, don't forget every Church family, don't forget every Wednesday night we're meeting in the Wednesday night we're meeting in the Wednesday night we're meeting in the worship center at 6 PM for prayer and worship center at 6 PM for prayer and worship center at 6 PM for prayer and worship together. Make sure you make worship together. Make sure you make worship together. Make sure you make plans to join us with your family for plans to join us with your family for plans to join us with your family for this weekly rhythm of setting our hearts this weekly rhythm of setting our hearts this weekly rhythm of setting our hearts on Christ and praying together as a on Christ and praying together as a on Christ and praying together as a church. Thanks again for choosing to worship Thanks again for choosing to worship with us. If you're watching online this with us. If you're watching online this with us. If you're watching online this morning, please do us a favor and let us morning, please do us a favor and let us morning, please do us a favor and let us know what stands out to you in the know what stands out to you in the know what stands out to you in the message or maybe where you're watching message or maybe where you're watching message or maybe where you're watching from or who you're watching with. We'd from or who you're watching with. We'd from or who you're watching with. We'd love to hear from you. If you're in the love to hear from you. If you're in the love to hear from you. If you're in the room, say hello to someone around you room, say hello to someone around you room, say hello to someone around you and we're going to get started soon. Well, good morning church family. Would

Well, good morning church family. Would you stand to your feet with us this you stand to your feet with us this you stand to your feet with us this morning? We have a [music] good God morning? We have a [music] good God morning? We have a [music] good God who's worthy of all praise today. He has who's worthy of all praise today. He has who's worthy of all praise today. He has spoken to us and we respond to him in spoken to us and we respond to him in spoken to us and we respond to him in song and worship today. It's so good to song and worship today. It's so good to song and worship today. It's so good to gather together. Let's sing this gather together. Let's sing this gather together. Let's sing this together. We take him at his word again. together. We take him at his word again. together. We take him at his word again. Your word Your word Your word is a lamp unto my feet. And your way And your way is the only [music] way for me. is the only [music] way for me. is the only [music] way for me. It's a narrow [singing] It's a narrow [singing] It's a narrow [singing] road that leads to life. But I want to road that leads to life. But I want to road that leads to life. But I want to be honest. It's a narrow road, but the mercy's It's a narrow road, but the mercy's wide, cuz you're good on your promise. wide, cuz you're good on your promise. wide, cuz you're good on your promise. Come on, sing it out. Come on, sing it out. Come on, sing it out. >> I take you at your word. >> I take you at your word. >> I take you at your word. If you said it, [music] I'll believe it. If you said it, [music] I'll believe it. If you said it, [music] I'll believe it. I've seen how good it works.

I've seen how good it works. I've seen how good it works. If you start [music] it, you'll complete If you start [music] it, you'll complete If you start [music] it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. I know I know cuz I see it [music] in my eyes. cuz I see it [music] in my eyes. cuz I see it [music] in my eyes. It's a narrow road that leads to what I It's a narrow road that leads to what I It's a narrow road that leads to what I want to be on. It's a narrow road and the tide is high, It's a narrow road and the tide is high, but you the water. but you the water. but you the water. I take you at your word. I take you at your word. I take you at your word. If you said it, I believe it. I've seen If you said it, I believe it. I've seen If you said it, I believe it. I've seen how good you work. how good you work. how good you work. If you start it, you'll complete it.

If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. I'll take you at your word. If you said it, I'll believe it. I see If you said it, I'll believe it. I see If you said it, I'll believe it. I see how [music] good it works. how [music] good it works. how [music] good it works. If you start it, you'll complete it. I If you start it, you'll complete it. I If you start it, you'll complete it. I take [music] you at your word. You're good on your promise, Lord. You're good on your promise, Lord. I take you at your word. I take you at your word. I take you at your word. Come on, sing this out. You said your Come on, sing this out. You said your Come on, sing this out. You said your love will never [music] give [singing] love will never [music] give [singing] love will never [music] give [singing] up. You said your grace is always up. You said your grace is always up. You said your grace is always [music] enough. You said [singing] your [music] enough. You said [singing] your [music] enough. You said [singing] your heart would never forget or forsake me. heart would never forget or forsake me. heart would never forget or forsake me. No, no, [singing and music] no. You said No, no, [singing and music] no. You said No, no, [singing and music] no. You said I'm saved. You called [singing] me I'm saved. You called [singing] me I'm saved. You called [singing] me yours. You said my future's [music] yours. You said my future's [music] yours. You said my future's [music] full of your hope if you never fail. So full of your hope if you never fail. So full of your hope if you never fail. So I know that you'll [singing] never fail I know that you'll [singing] never fail I know that you'll [singing] never fail me.

me. me. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> You said your love will never give up. >> You said your love will never give up. >> You said your love will never give up. You said your grace is [music] always You said your grace is [music] always You said your grace is [music] always enough. You said your heart will never enough. You said your heart will never enough. You said your heart will never forget or forsake [music and singing] forget or forsake [music and singing] forget or forsake [music and singing] me. me. me. Oh, you said I'm saved. You call [music] Oh, you said I'm saved. You call [music] Oh, you said I'm saved. You call [music] me yours. You said my future's full of me yours. You said my future's full of me yours. You said my future's full of your hope. You never fail. So I know your hope. You never fail. So I know your hope. You never fail. So I know that you'll never fail [music] that you'll never fail [music] that you'll never fail [music] me. Let's go. I'll take you at your me. Let's go. I'll take you at your me. Let's go. I'll take you at your word. word. word. If you said [music] it, I believe it. If you said [music] it, I believe it. If you said [music] it, I believe it. I've seen how [music and singing] good I've seen how [music and singing] good I've seen how [music and singing] good it works. it works. it works. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. If you start it, you'll complete it. I'll take [music] you at your word. I'll take [music] you at your word. I'll take [music] you at your word. If you said it, I'll [music] believe it. If you said it, I'll [music] believe it. If you said it, I'll [music] believe it. I'll see how good [music] it works.

I'll see how good [music] it works. I'll see how good [music] it works. If you started, you'll complete it. I'll If you started, you'll complete it. I'll If you started, you'll complete it. I'll take you at [music] your word take you at [music] your word take you at [music] your word for you good on your promise. I take you at your word. Amen. It's good I take you at your word. Amen. It's good to gather in the house of the Lord this to gather in the house of the Lord this to gather in the house of the Lord this morning. Amen. morning. Amen. morning. Amen. So good. Would you pray with me this So good. Would you pray with me this So good. Would you pray with me this morning as we continue? Father, it is so morning as we continue? Father, it is so morning as we continue? Father, it is so good to worship you this morning in good to worship you this morning in good to worship you this morning in spirit and in truth. It is so good to spirit and in truth. It is so good to spirit and in truth. It is so good to gather together as believers in this gather together as believers in this gather together as believers in this room, all those watching online as well. room, all those watching online as well. room, all those watching online as well. Lord, it's so good to sing praises to Lord, it's so good to sing praises to Lord, it's so good to sing praises to you. The one who has given us life, you. The one who has given us life, you. The one who has given us life, Lord, as we were dead in our trespasses Lord, as we were dead in our trespasses Lord, as we were dead in our trespasses and sins, Lord, you saw to it because of and sins, Lord, you saw to it because of and sins, Lord, you saw to it because of your great love and mercy to send your your great love and mercy to send your your great love and mercy to send your son, Jesus, so that we might be free for son, Jesus, so that we might be free for son, Jesus, so that we might be free for all those that would believe in him.

all those that would believe in him. all those that would believe in him. Thank you, Lord, for this free gift of Thank you, Lord, for this free gift of Thank you, Lord, for this free gift of eternal life. Would you focus us in eternal life. Would you focus us in eternal life. Would you focus us in right now and have our minds attention, right now and have our minds attention, right now and have our minds attention, our hearts affection riveted on Jesus our hearts affection riveted on Jesus our hearts affection riveted on Jesus Christ this morning? He is the reason Christ this morning? He is the reason Christ this morning? He is the reason for our gathering. Lord, he is the very for our gathering. Lord, he is the very for our gathering. Lord, he is the very reason we have to praise you today. The reason we have to praise you today. The reason we have to praise you today. The worthy name of Jesus. Lord, we love you. worthy name of Jesus. Lord, we love you. worthy name of Jesus. Lord, we love you. As we continue to sing, receive all As we continue to sing, receive all As we continue to sing, receive all glory and praise in Jesus name. Amen. glory and praise in Jesus name. Amen. glory and praise in Jesus name. Amen. Sing this together, church, so you Sing this together, church, so you Sing this together, church, so you remember the greatest story ever told, remember the greatest story ever told, remember the greatest story ever told, gospel of Jesus Christ. Come on. I cast my mind I cast my mind to Calary [music] where Jesus bled where Jesus bled and [music] died for me. and [music] died for me. and [music] died for me. I see his words, I see his words, I see his words, his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. his hands, his feet. My savior on My savior on My savior on that cursed tree and his body bound and his body bound and [music] drenched in tears.

and [music] drenched in tears. and [music] drenched in tears. They laid [singing] him down They laid [singing] him down They laid [singing] him down in [music] the entrance seal [music] the entrance seal [music] by heavy stone. Messiah by heavy stone. Messiah by heavy stone. Messiah still still still and all alone. and all alone. and all alone. >> Church family, can we raise our voices >> Church family, can we raise our voices >> Church family, can we raise our voices today? Can we sing praise? today? Can we sing praise? today? Can we sing praise? Oh, praise [music and singing] the name Oh, praise [music and singing] the name Oh, praise [music and singing] the name of the Lord our God. Oh, [singing] of the Lord our God. Oh, [singing] of the Lord our God. Oh, [singing] praise his [music] name forever praise his [music] name forever praise his [music] name forever more. [music and singing] more. [music and singing] more. [music and singing] For endless For endless For endless days we will sing [singing] your praise. days we will sing [singing] your praise. days we will sing [singing] your praise. [music] [music] [music] Oh Lord. Oh Lord our God. [music] But he's alive today.

But he's alive today. And on [music] the third And on [music] the third And on [music] the third at break up John [singing] at break up John [singing] at break up John [singing] the son [music] of hell the son [music] of hell the son [music] of hell rose again [singing] rose again [singing] rose again [singing] [music] treble dead. [music] treble dead. [music] treble dead. Where is your sing? Where is your sing? Where is your sing? The angels are roar The angels are roar The angels are roar for Christ [music] the king. Oh, Oh, praise the name [music] of the Lord our praise the name [music] of the Lord our praise the name [music] of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his name forever, God. Oh, praise his name forever, God. Oh, praise his name forever, [music] [music] [music] Lord. Forever endless Lord. Forever endless Lord. Forever endless days. We will [music] sing your praise. days. We will [music] sing your praise. days. We will [music] sing your praise. Oh Lord, oh Lord [music] our [singing] Oh Lord, oh Lord [music] our [singing] Oh Lord, oh Lord [music] our [singing] God.

shall return shall return in robes of in robes of in robes of [music] the blazing sun [music] the blazing sun [music] the blazing sun shall pierce [singing] the night shall pierce [singing] the night shall pierce [singing] the night and I will rise and I will rise and I will rise among the saints. among the saints. among the saints. My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed My gaze transfixed on Jesus face. on Jesus face. on Jesus face. That's right. Come on, we sing it That's right. Come on, we sing it That's right. Come on, we sing it together. together. together. And [music] oh, [singing] praise the you And [music] oh, [singing] praise the you And [music] oh, [singing] praise the you sing of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his sing of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his sing of the Lord our God. Oh, praise his name name name forever. Come on, we sing. Oh, praise the name. Come on, we sing. Oh, praise the name. Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] Oh, [music and singing] praise the name of the Lord our God. praise the name of the Lord our God. praise the name of the Lord our God. >> Praise his name. Oh, praise him.

>> Praise his name. Oh, praise him. >> Praise his name. Oh, praise him. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Forever forever. forever. We will see [music] We will see [music] We will see [music] your [music] Lord our God. [music] Lord our God. Oh, praise the name. Oh, praise the name. Oh, praise the name. [music] Praise his name Praise his name forever. [music] Amen and amen. Hey, good morning and Amen and amen. Hey, good morning and welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church.

welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church. welcome to Greenacres Baptist Church. Church family, are you glad that you're Church family, are you glad that you're Church family, are you glad that you're here this morning? here this morning? here this morning? Hey, thank y'all so much. Hey, we are so Hey, thank y'all so much. Hey, we are so Hey, thank y'all so much. Hey, we are so so glad to worship together this Sunday. so glad to worship together this Sunday. so glad to worship together this Sunday. And hey, I would love for you to know And hey, I would love for you to know And hey, I would love for you to know that if you are new here today or maybe that if you are new here today or maybe that if you are new here today or maybe you've been visiting for just a few you've been visiting for just a few you've been visiting for just a few weeks or something like that, we would weeks or something like that, we would weeks or something like that, we would love to get to know you. And we want you love to get to know you. And we want you love to get to know you. And we want you to know that you are welcome here. And to know that you are welcome here. And to know that you are welcome here. And not only are you welcome here, but you not only are you welcome here, but you not only are you welcome here, but you are wanted here. We love love love to are wanted here. We love love love to are wanted here. We love love love to get to know you and find ways to serve get to know you and find ways to serve get to know you and find ways to serve you and minister to you and get you you and minister to you and get you you and minister to you and get you plugged in. And so if that is you today, plugged in. And so if that is you today, plugged in. And so if that is you today, we would encourage you to text the word we would encourage you to text the word we would encourage you to text the word connect to 9035251100. That just gives us an opportunity to be That just gives us an opportunity to be able to better connect with you. Hey able to better connect with you. Hey able to better connect with you. Hey church family, today we are in for an church family, today we are in for an church family, today we are in for an exciting exciting service. We have the exciting exciting service. We have the exciting exciting service. We have the very own um my one of my best friends very own um my one of my best friends very own um my one of my best friends actually. I love this guy to death. His actually. I love this guy to death. His actually. I love this guy to death. His name is Jared Stevens. Pastor Jarrett name is Jared Stevens. Pastor Jarrett name is Jared Stevens. Pastor Jarrett from Champion Forest Baptist Church. Pastor Jarrett means a lot to me to p to Pastor Jarrett means a lot to me to p to Pastor Michael. Uh we we learned a lot Pastor Michael. Uh we we learned a lot Pastor Michael. Uh we we learned a lot from him in ministry and he's coming to from him in ministry and he's coming to from him in ministry and he's coming to us from Houston from Champion Forest.

us from Houston from Champion Forest. us from Houston from Champion Forest. And so I know that the Lord is going to And so I know that the Lord is going to And so I know that the Lord is going to use him in a mighty way today. And so use him in a mighty way today. And so use him in a mighty way today. And so y'all get excited about that. Also, hey, y'all get excited about that. Also, hey, y'all get excited about that. Also, hey, on August 9th, uh we have this thing on August 9th, uh we have this thing on August 9th, uh we have this thing called Multiply. If you serve in any called Multiply. If you serve in any called Multiply. If you serve in any capacity, you know about this because capacity, you know about this because capacity, you know about this because we've done this now for several years. we've done this now for several years. we've done this now for several years. But maybe you're here today and you But maybe you're here today and you But maybe you're here today and you haven't found that place to serve or haven't found that place to serve or haven't found that place to serve or plug in. We would encourage you to go plug in. We would encourage you to go plug in. We would encourage you to go online, go to gabc.org/events online, go to gabc.org/events online, go to gabc.org/events and sign up for Multiply. It starts and sign up for Multiply. It starts and sign up for Multiply. It starts again on August 9th at 400 p.m. And this again on August 9th at 400 p.m. And this again on August 9th at 400 p.m. And this is just a great place to learn more is just a great place to learn more is just a great place to learn more about how you can serve uh how you can about how you can serve uh how you can about how you can serve uh how you can be equipped and empowered uh to be a be equipped and empowered uh to be a be equipped and empowered uh to be a part of what God's doing here at part of what God's doing here at part of what God's doing here at Greenacres. So, we'd love for you to be Greenacres. So, we'd love for you to be Greenacres. So, we'd love for you to be a part of that. a part of that. a part of that. Hey, you know, God's word says in Psalm Hey, you know, God's word says in Psalm Hey, you know, God's word says in Psalm 145:3 that it says this, "Great is the 145:3 that it says this, "Great is the 145:3 that it says this, "Great is the Lord that's most worthy to be praised." Lord that's most worthy to be praised." Lord that's most worthy to be praised." And so, I don't know where you're at And so, I don't know where you're at And so, I don't know where you're at today, but I know that some of us, maybe today, but I know that some of us, maybe today, but I know that some of us, maybe we've had a heavy week. Maybe we've we've had a heavy week. Maybe we've we've had a heavy week. Maybe we've walked through some things. Maybe we're walked through some things. Maybe we're walked through some things. Maybe we're coming in hot off of work or some other coming in hot off of work or some other coming in hot off of work or some other things. And I just want to encourage you things. And I just want to encourage you things. And I just want to encourage you to just take a moment in the next few to just take a moment in the next few to just take a moment in the next few moments and just just pray. Lord, would moments and just just pray. Lord, would moments and just just pray. Lord, would you allow my mind to calm? Would you you allow my mind to calm? Would you you allow my mind to calm? Would you allow my heart to calm to center in and allow my heart to calm to center in and allow my heart to calm to center in and to focus on you? Would we be a people to focus on you? Would we be a people to focus on you? Would we be a people that today we would turn down the noise that today we would turn down the noise that today we would turn down the noise of the world and up the voice of Jesus.

of the world and up the voice of Jesus. of the world and up the voice of Jesus. So, I'm going to pray. Some ushers are So, I'm going to pray. Some ushers are So, I'm going to pray. Some ushers are going to come forward to take the the going to come forward to take the the going to come forward to take the the tithes and the offerings. And I would tithes and the offerings. And I would tithes and the offerings. And I would just encourage you, give all that you just encourage you, give all that you just encourage you, give all that you have to the Lord and let's worship have to the Lord and let's worship have to the Lord and let's worship together. together. together. Father, we love you. God, we're grateful Father, we love you. God, we're grateful Father, we love you. God, we're grateful for today. God, we ask that you would for today. God, we ask that you would for today. God, we ask that you would use this service to speak to us, L. use this service to speak to us, L. use this service to speak to us, L. Lord, that you would use the songs, Lord, that you would use the songs, Lord, that you would use the songs, Lord, that you would use the message, Lord, that you would use the message, Lord, that you would use the message, God, just to to speak to us deeply God, just to to speak to us deeply God, just to to speak to us deeply today. That that we would be moved, that today. That that we would be moved, that today. That that we would be moved, that we would be receptive to what you have we would be receptive to what you have we would be receptive to what you have for us. God, I thank you for your for us. God, I thank you for your for us. God, I thank you for your church. I thank thank you for how you church. I thank thank you for how you church. I thank thank you for how you move in our hearts. And God, we pray move in our hearts. And God, we pray move in our hearts. And God, we pray that you would just use us mighty ways that you would just use us mighty ways that you would just use us mighty ways in the days to come, Lord. That we would in the days to come, Lord. That we would in the days to come, Lord. That we would be a people who would serve and love be a people who would serve and love be a people who would serve and love Tyler well, Lord. that we would share Tyler well, Lord. that we would share Tyler well, Lord. that we would share the gospel with people all across East the gospel with people all across East the gospel with people all across East Texas and beyond. And God, we ask that Texas and beyond. And God, we ask that Texas and beyond. And God, we ask that you would move today. And so we love you would move today. And so we love you would move today. And so we love you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. you. It's in Jesus name that we pray. Amen.

The hands that turn the universe The hands that turn the universe surrenus [music] [singing] [singing] of God. of God. of God. I am lifted up. [music] I am lifted up. [music] I am lifted up. [music] You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy name. name. name. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. Jesus, [music and singing] son of God. High and lifted up. High and lifted up. High and lifted up. You deserve the praise.

>> You beat the grave [music] as you >> You beat the grave [music] as you [singing] were raised. The first born [singing] were raised. The first born [singing] were raised. The first born from the dead from the dead from the dead [music] in everything you have. The first, the last, the great. I The first, the last, the great. I [music] am the beginning and the end. What a worthy [music] name. What a worthy [music] name. Jesus, son of God. Jesus, son of God. Jesus, son of God. I am lifted up. I am lifted up. I am lifted up. You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy You deserve the praise. What a worthy [music] name. [music] name. [music] name. Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, high and [music and singing] lifted up. high and [music and singing] lifted up. high and [music and singing] lifted up. You deserve the praise. on your head the victor's cry. Hell on your head the victor's cry. Hell [music] retreats and heaven shouts at [music] retreats and heaven shouts at [music] retreats and heaven shouts at the name the name the name the name [music] of [singing] Jesus.

the name [music] of [singing] Jesus. the name [music] of [singing] Jesus. Risen King of righteousness Risen King of righteousness Risen King of righteousness will bow [music] and tong confess at the will bow [music] and tong confess at the will bow [music] and tong confess at the name name name the name of Jesus. [music] the name of Jesus. [music] the name of Jesus. [music] On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. Songs of [music] joy will rise again at Songs of [music] joy will rise again at Songs of [music] joy will rise again at the name [music] name [music] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Christ will reign forever. Christ will reign forever. Christ will reign forever. All the saints and angels ro the [music] All the saints and angels ro the [music] All the saints and angels ro the [music] name. name. name. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. The name of Jesus. What a worthy [music] What a worthy [music] What a worthy [music] name. name. name. Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, high and lifted up, [music] high and lifted up, [music] high and lifted up, [music] you deserve the praise. What a worthy you deserve the praise. What a worthy you deserve the praise. What a worthy name. name. name. [music] Jesus, [singing] son of God, [music] Jesus, [singing] son of God, [music] Jesus, [singing] son of God, high and lifted [music] up.

high and lifted [music] up. high and lifted [music] up. You deserve on your head. [music] You deserve on your head. [music] You deserve on your head. [music] The victory The victory The victory will retreat in heaven [singing] shout will retreat in heaven [singing] shout will retreat in heaven [singing] shout at the [music] name. at the [music] name. at the [music] name. The name of [singing] The name of [singing] The name of [singing] Jesus Jesus Jesus who risen king [music] of righteousness. who risen king [music] of righteousness. who risen king [music] of righteousness. These will bow his tongs confess at the These will bow his tongs confess at the These will bow his tongs confess at the name name name the [music] name of Jesus. the [music] name of Jesus. the [music] name of Jesus. On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. On this rock the church will stand. Songs of joy will rise [music] again. Songs of joy will rise [music] again. Songs of joy will rise [music] again. And the day And the day And the day the [music] name of Jesus the [music] name of Jesus the [music] name of Jesus Christ will reign forever. [music] Christ will reign forever. [music] Christ will reign forever. [music] All the saints and angels roar at the All the saints and angels roar at the All the saints and angels roar at the name. name. name. The [music] name of Jesus. The [music] name of Jesus. The [music] name of Jesus. At the name, At the name, At the name, the name of [music] Jesus.

the name of [music] Jesus. the name of [music] Jesus. At the name, At the name, At the name, the [music] name of Jesus. the [music] name of Jesus. the [music] name of Jesus. [music] Let's sing that chorus again. What a Let's sing that chorus again. What a worthy name. The name of Jesus. We sing. worthy name. The name of Jesus. We sing. worthy name. The name of Jesus. We sing. What a worthy name. What a worthy name. What a worthy name. Oh Jesus, [singing] son of God, Oh Jesus, [singing] son of God, Oh Jesus, [singing] son of God, high and lifted [singing] up. high and lifted [singing] up. high and lifted [singing] up. You deserve [music] the praise. You deserve [music] the praise. You deserve [music] the praise. >> Oh, [singing] what a worthy name. >> Oh, [singing] what a worthy name. >> Oh, [singing] what a worthy name. >> Oh Jesus, [music and singing] son of >> Oh Jesus, [music and singing] son of >> Oh Jesus, [music and singing] son of God, God, God, high and lifted up. high and lifted up. high and lifted up. >> Oh Lord, you deserve the praise. >> Oh Lord, you deserve the praise. >> Oh Lord, you deserve the praise. Oh father, we acknowledge your rule and Oh father, we acknowledge your rule and Oh father, we acknowledge your rule and reign over all creation today. You are reign over all creation today. You are reign over all creation today. You are the creator of all the universe and the the creator of all the universe and the the creator of all the universe and the redeemer of our souls.

redeemer of our souls. redeemer of our souls. And at the name of Jesus, as we just And at the name of Jesus, as we just And at the name of Jesus, as we just sang from Philippians 2, every knee will sang from Philippians 2, every knee will sang from Philippians 2, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that bow, every tongue will confess that bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Well, that's who we worship the Father. Well, that's who we worship the Father. Well, that's who we worship today. Jesus who is the Lord over his today. Jesus who is the Lord over his today. Jesus who is the Lord over his church. It is so good to gather and church. It is so good to gather and church. It is so good to gather and remember that today to pour out our remember that today to pour out our remember that today to pour out our praise together. Lord, now as we look at praise together. Lord, now as we look at praise together. Lord, now as we look at your word, Lord, would you teach us? We your word, Lord, would you teach us? We your word, Lord, would you teach us? We are so in need of you today. So are so in need of you today. So are so in need of you today. So desperately in need of you, Holy Spirit, desperately in need of you, Holy Spirit, desperately in need of you, Holy Spirit, to move within our hearts and minds to to move within our hearts and minds to to move within our hearts and minds to make much of Jesus as we seek him today. make much of Jesus as we seek him today. make much of Jesus as we seek him today. Thank you, Father, for our gathering Thank you, Father, for our gathering Thank you, Father, for our gathering today. We pray all this in that powerful today. We pray all this in that powerful today. We pray all this in that powerful name of Jesus. All God's people said, name of Jesus. All God's people said, name of Jesus. All God's people said, "Amen." You may be seated. Well, good morning, Green Acres. If you Well, good morning, Green Acres. If you have your Bibles, I want to invite you have your Bibles, I want to invite you have your Bibles, I want to invite you to grab them and turn to Second Timothy to grab them and turn to Second Timothy to grab them and turn to Second Timothy chapter 4. It is good to be with you chapter 4. It is good to be with you chapter 4. It is good to be with you this morning. Uh, I was visiting my this morning. Uh, I was visiting my this morning. Uh, I was visiting my family this weekend. grew up in Boer family this weekend. grew up in Boer family this weekend. grew up in Boer City, Louisiana, right down the road.

City, Louisiana, right down the road. City, Louisiana, right down the road. And for fun, uh, when I was growing up, And for fun, uh, when I was growing up, And for fun, uh, when I was growing up, we would always make our way to we would always make our way to we would always make our way to Marshall, Texas to eat at the butcher Marshall, Texas to eat at the butcher Marshall, Texas to eat at the butcher shop. And so that's where I was last shop. And so that's where I was last shop. And so that's where I was last night with my family eating at the night with my family eating at the night with my family eating at the butcher shop and then drove on over to butcher shop and then drove on over to butcher shop and then drove on over to Tyler last night. And uh, it is good. Tyler last night. And uh, it is good. Tyler last night. And uh, it is good. Somebody asked me earlier, is it good to Somebody asked me earlier, is it good to Somebody asked me earlier, is it good to be out of Houston? I said, it's just as be out of Houston? I said, it's just as be out of Houston? I said, it's just as hot in Tyler as it is in Houston. And uh hot in Tyler as it is in Houston. And uh hot in Tyler as it is in Houston. And uh it is good to be with you. I love this it is good to be with you. I love this it is good to be with you. I love this church. I love your pastor. And uh I church. I love your pastor. And uh I church. I love your pastor. And uh I think this is my uh I was here last think this is my uh I was here last think this is my uh I was here last summer and so this is two years in a summer and so this is two years in a summer and so this is two years in a row. So I just think we should make this row. So I just think we should make this row. So I just think we should make this a thing. Okay. Uh it gives me an a thing. Okay. Uh it gives me an a thing. Okay. Uh it gives me an opportunity to get to the butcher shop opportunity to get to the butcher shop opportunity to get to the butcher shop and gives me an opportunity to get to and gives me an opportunity to get to and gives me an opportunity to get to Green Acres and we're checking a lot off Green Acres and we're checking a lot off Green Acres and we're checking a lot off the list this morning. And uh I was just the list this morning. And uh I was just the list this morning. And uh I was just having a moment over here as we were having a moment over here as we were having a moment over here as we were worshiping. Incredible worship. Um, you worshiping. Incredible worship. Um, you worshiping. Incredible worship. Um, you know, I I don't have I wasn't planning know, I I don't have I wasn't planning know, I I don't have I wasn't planning on saying any of this, but I grew uh on saying any of this, but I grew uh on saying any of this, but I grew uh when I God called me to ministry uh when when I God called me to ministry uh when when I God called me to ministry uh when I was 17. I can remember when I was 11 I was 17. I can remember when I was 11 I was 17. I can remember when I was 11 sitting in a church service listening to sitting in a church service listening to sitting in a church service listening to a preacher and I remember thinking, if I a preacher and I remember thinking, if I a preacher and I remember thinking, if I don't play college football, coach don't play college football, coach don't play college football, coach football. I could do that right there. I football. I could do that right there. I football. I could do that right there. I was 11 years of age. And I tell people, was 11 years of age. And I tell people, was 11 years of age. And I tell people, I would have played college football had I would have played college football had I would have played college football had any coach asked me to play, but none of any coach asked me to play, but none of any coach asked me to play, but none of them did. And at 17, God turned my heart them did. And at 17, God turned my heart them did. And at 17, God turned my heart toward ministry. And it's all that I've toward ministry. And it's all that I've toward ministry. And it's all that I've ever wanted to do. And uh just sitting ever wanted to do. And uh just sitting ever wanted to do. And uh just sitting down here worshiping with you and the

down here worshiping with you and the down here worshiping with you and the opportunity to open God's word with you, opportunity to open God's word with you, opportunity to open God's word with you, I don't take it for granted. I mean, it I don't take it for granted. I mean, it I don't take it for granted. I mean, it truly is uh I just can't believe uh that truly is uh I just can't believe uh that truly is uh I just can't believe uh that God has allowed me to live out the God has allowed me to live out the God has allowed me to live out the dreams of my life in getting to preach dreams of my life in getting to preach dreams of my life in getting to preach his word. And uh I'm just really his word. And uh I'm just really his word. And uh I'm just really grateful for uh your pastor extending to grateful for uh your pastor extending to grateful for uh your pastor extending to me this uh opportunity to be here. Todd, me this uh opportunity to be here. Todd, me this uh opportunity to be here. Todd, thank you for your introduction. A lot thank you for your introduction. A lot thank you for your introduction. A lot of friends on this staff and I feel a of friends on this staff and I feel a of friends on this staff and I feel a kindred spirit with this church. Uh, kindred spirit with this church. Uh, kindred spirit with this church. Uh, last year I was here, I showed you a last year I was here, I showed you a last year I was here, I showed you a picture of my family just by way of picture of my family just by way of picture of my family just by way of introduction, you getting to know me, me introduction, you getting to know me, me introduction, you getting to know me, me getting to know you right before we just getting to know you right before we just getting to know you right before we just jump in uh to the message here. And jump in uh to the message here. And jump in uh to the message here. And there is my herm. All right, my sorority there is my herm. All right, my sorority there is my herm. All right, my sorority house. Uh, four daughters. Uh, if you're house. Uh, four daughters. Uh, if you're house. Uh, four daughters. Uh, if you're looking at the picture uh there on the looking at the picture uh there on the looking at the picture uh there on the left, far left, that's Riley. She is left, far left, that's Riley. She is left, far left, that's Riley. She is going to be a junior at Baylor going to be a junior at Baylor going to be a junior at Baylor University this year. She's my oldest. University this year. She's my oldest. University this year. She's my oldest. The one on my uh the far right of the The one on my uh the far right of the The one on my uh the far right of the screen here, that is Kelsey. She's going screen here, that is Kelsey. She's going screen here, that is Kelsey. She's going to be a freshman at Baylor University. I to be a freshman at Baylor University. I to be a freshman at Baylor University. I am applying for the midnight shift at am applying for the midnight shift at am applying for the midnight shift at the Waterburger right near my house uh the Waterburger right near my house uh the Waterburger right near my house uh in order to make that happen. Those are in order to make that happen. Those are in order to make that happen. Those are the 13-year-old twins right there, uh the 13-year-old twins right there, uh the 13-year-old twins right there, uh Cameron and Landry, and they're going Cameron and Landry, and they're going Cameron and Landry, and they're going into the eighth grade. Love those girls.

into the eighth grade. Love those girls. into the eighth grade. Love those girls. And then my wife Debbie right there in And then my wife Debbie right there in And then my wife Debbie right there in the middle that keeps it all together. the middle that keeps it all together. the middle that keeps it all together. And so, uh that's my family. And I wish And so, uh that's my family. And I wish And so, uh that's my family. And I wish they were here with me. Uh but the girls they were here with me. Uh but the girls they were here with me. Uh but the girls are at Gam and Papa. They they'd rather are at Gam and Papa. They they'd rather are at Gam and Papa. They they'd rather be there than here with me at church be there than here with me at church be there than here with me at church this morning. Uh and um that's that's this morning. Uh and um that's that's this morning. Uh and um that's that's the family. So if you ever make your way the family. So if you ever make your way the family. So if you ever make your way to Houston, uh would love to have you. to Houston, uh would love to have you. to Houston, uh would love to have you. Uh Champion Forest Baptist Church right Uh Champion Forest Baptist Church right Uh Champion Forest Baptist Church right there in Northwest Houston. Been there there in Northwest Houston. Been there there in Northwest Houston. Been there for six years and uh loving every minute for six years and uh loving every minute for six years and uh loving every minute of it. It's a great great church. And I of it. It's a great great church. And I of it. It's a great great church. And I was recently preaching a series there was recently preaching a series there was recently preaching a series there called fight. And the whole idea was a called fight. And the whole idea was a called fight. And the whole idea was a topical series. We talked I knew seniors topical series. We talked I knew seniors topical series. We talked I knew seniors were getting ready to graduate. So, I were getting ready to graduate. So, I were getting ready to graduate. So, I talked about fighting for truth and the talked about fighting for truth and the talked about fighting for truth and the importance that uh as these seniors importance that uh as these seniors importance that uh as these seniors graduate that they give their mind to graduate that they give their mind to graduate that they give their mind to the word of God and they don't ever the word of God and they don't ever the word of God and they don't ever sacrifice the need for truth. We talked sacrifice the need for truth. We talked sacrifice the need for truth. We talked about fighting for the lost. Uh that the about fighting for the lost. Uh that the about fighting for the lost. Uh that the missionary call of God on our life is to missionary call of God on our life is to missionary call of God on our life is to be salt and light, to go after the lost. be salt and light, to go after the lost. be salt and light, to go after the lost. We talked about fighting for the least. We talked about fighting for the least. We talked about fighting for the least. That's a major responsibility for That's a major responsibility for That's a major responsibility for Christians that we uh we love justice Christians that we uh we love justice Christians that we uh we love justice and we seek uh to uh serve the widow, and we seek uh to uh serve the widow, and we seek uh to uh serve the widow, the poor, the orphan. talked about the poor, the orphan. talked about the poor, the orphan. talked about fighting for the least and it it was a fighting for the least and it it was a fighting for the least and it it was a several week series and I concluded that several week series and I concluded that several week series and I concluded that message series on fight with a message message series on fight with a message message series on fight with a message that I'm going to be preaching today that I'm going to be preaching today that I'm going to be preaching today from 2 Timothy chapter 4 that I'm from 2 Timothy chapter 4 that I'm from 2 Timothy chapter 4 that I'm calling fight to the finish. Uh we know calling fight to the finish. Uh we know calling fight to the finish. Uh we know that starting well is one thing that starting well is one thing that starting well is one thing all together different to finish well all together different to finish well all together different to finish well and that's what matters most. As we get

and that's what matters most. As we get and that's what matters most. As we get going this morning, I want to break this going this morning, I want to break this going this morning, I want to break this message up into three different message up into three different message up into three different sections. We're going to first look at sections. We're going to first look at sections. We're going to first look at the call to finish strong. We're going the call to finish strong. We're going the call to finish strong. We're going to secondly look at the motivation that to secondly look at the motivation that to secondly look at the motivation that Paul offers up to finish strong. And Paul offers up to finish strong. And Paul offers up to finish strong. And then we're going to spend the majority then we're going to spend the majority then we're going to spend the majority of our time in the third section of this of our time in the third section of this of our time in the third section of this uh message on the practical application. uh message on the practical application. uh message on the practical application. And we'll look at how we can finish And we'll look at how we can finish And we'll look at how we can finish strong. But I want to set some context strong. But I want to set some context strong. But I want to set some context uh for you before we set into this text. uh for you before we set into this text. uh for you before we set into this text. This is the Apostle Paul's last letter This is the Apostle Paul's last letter This is the Apostle Paul's last letter that he ever pinned. His death is that he ever pinned. His death is that he ever pinned. His death is nearing. Uh many scholars believe that nearing. Uh many scholars believe that nearing. Uh many scholars believe that he is perhaps days away uh from his he is perhaps days away uh from his he is perhaps days away uh from his martyrdom. He would be beheaded by the martyrdom. He would be beheaded by the martyrdom. He would be beheaded by the emperor Neero for his faith. He's been emperor Neero for his faith. He's been emperor Neero for his faith. He's been following Jesus for 30 years at this following Jesus for 30 years at this following Jesus for 30 years at this point of his life. and he knows that point of his life. and he knows that point of his life. and he knows that outside of a miracle, he is not going to outside of a miracle, he is not going to outside of a miracle, he is not going to make it out of this dungeon prison that make it out of this dungeon prison that make it out of this dungeon prison that he's sitting in. And so he pins this he's sitting in. And so he pins this he's sitting in. And so he pins this final letter. These are the last words final letter. These are the last words final letter. These are the last words we have from the Apostle Paul. They're we have from the Apostle Paul. They're we have from the Apostle Paul. They're directed to his son in the faith, directed to his son in the faith, directed to his son in the faith, Timothy. And he is written to encourage Timothy. And he is written to encourage Timothy. And he is written to encourage him. Second Timothy chapter 4, starting him. Second Timothy chapter 4, starting him. Second Timothy chapter 4, starting in verse 6, the Bible says this, "For I in verse 6, the Bible says this, "For I in verse 6, the Bible says this, "For I am already being poured out as a drink am already being poured out as a drink am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure offering, and the time of my departure offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight.

has come. I have fought the good fight. has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept I have finished the race. I have kept I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. the faith. the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the Henceforth there is laid up for me the Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord crown of righteousness which the Lord crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge will award to me on the righteous judge will award to me on the righteous judge will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Now all who have loved his appearing. Now all who have loved his appearing. Now full disclosure here this is my life full disclosure here this is my life full disclosure here this is my life verse. This is the verses uh that I want verse. This is the verses uh that I want verse. This is the verses uh that I want on my epitap when I uh exit out of this on my epitap when I uh exit out of this on my epitap when I uh exit out of this world. I want Second Timothy 4:es 6-8, world. I want Second Timothy 4:es 6-8, world. I want Second Timothy 4:es 6-8, specifically verse 7, right on the specifically verse 7, right on the specifically verse 7, right on the middle of my tombstone. No verses middle of my tombstone. No verses middle of my tombstone. No verses challenge me more. No verses encourage challenge me more. No verses encourage challenge me more. No verses encourage me more. I can remember as a little boy, me more. I can remember as a little boy, me more. I can remember as a little boy, strange what you remember growing up, strange what you remember growing up, strange what you remember growing up, but my aunt had made a cross stitch for but my aunt had made a cross stitch for but my aunt had made a cross stitch for me, my older brother, and younger me, my older brother, and younger me, my older brother, and younger sister. She put our name in it. It had a sister. She put our name in it. It had a sister. She put our name in it. It had a picture of us. I was It was a picture of picture of us. I was It was a picture of picture of us. I was It was a picture of me in the second grade. It's in my me in the second grade. It's in my me in the second grade. It's in my office uh in Houston right now. and it office uh in Houston right now. and it office uh in Houston right now. and it had my name and then just a life verse had my name and then just a life verse had my name and then just a life verse and it was 2 Timothy 4:7. It just got in and it was 2 Timothy 4:7. It just got in and it was 2 Timothy 4:7. It just got in my heart as a little boy and uh it's a my heart as a little boy and uh it's a my heart as a little boy and uh it's a it's a a life verse for me. And so I it's a a life verse for me. And so I it's a a life verse for me. And so I want to get started and begin by looking want to get started and begin by looking want to get started and begin by looking at the call to finish strong.

at the call to finish strong. at the call to finish strong. Paul is writing Timothy, this letter is Paul is writing Timothy, this letter is Paul is writing Timothy, this letter is mostly a letter of affirmation. mostly a letter of affirmation. mostly a letter of affirmation. It's a letter of challenge. It's a letter of challenge. It's a letter of challenge. uh you read 2 Timothy chapter 4 and it uh you read 2 Timothy chapter 4 and it uh you read 2 Timothy chapter 4 and it is a charge for Timothy to keep going. is a charge for Timothy to keep going. is a charge for Timothy to keep going. We don't have time to look at the entire We don't have time to look at the entire We don't have time to look at the entire letter, but just to give you some letter, but just to give you some letter, but just to give you some context here and show you the point of context here and show you the point of context here and show you the point of this letter, this call to finish strong, this letter, this call to finish strong, this letter, this call to finish strong, listen to Paul's words in 2 Timothy listen to Paul's words in 2 Timothy listen to Paul's words in 2 Timothy chapter 1 verses 13 and 14. chapter 1 verses 13 and 14. chapter 1 verses 13 and 14. Follow the pattern of the sound words Follow the pattern of the sound words Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me in the faith that you have heard from me in the faith that you have heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus by the and love that are in Christ Jesus by the and love that are in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Look Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Look Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Look at this. Guard the good deposit at this. Guard the good deposit at this. Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. Do you hear the entrusted to you. Do you hear the entrusted to you. Do you hear the challenge? Do you hear the charge? The challenge? Do you hear the charge? The challenge? Do you hear the charge? The call. call. call. Chapter 2 verse one and two. You then, Chapter 2 verse one and two. You then, Chapter 2 verse one and two. You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace my child, be strengthened by the grace my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus and what you that is in Christ Jesus and what you that is in Christ Jesus and what you have heard from me in the presence of have heard from me in the presence of have heard from me in the presence of witnesses and trust of faithful men who witnesses and trust of faithful men who witnesses and trust of faithful men who will be able to teach others also. These will be able to teach others also. These will be able to teach others also. These are the last words of Paul. And so, he's are the last words of Paul. And so, he's are the last words of Paul. And so, he's putting it all out there. I preached putting it all out there. I preached putting it all out there. I preached this message once before and I titled it this message once before and I titled it this message once before and I titled it last words.

last words. last words. And for any of you who have sat around And for any of you who have sat around And for any of you who have sat around the bed of someone who is dying, the bed of someone who is dying, the bed of someone who is dying, you are hanging on to every word that you are hanging on to every word that you are hanging on to every word that they speak they speak they speak because it's their last words and it because it's their last words and it because it's their last words and it carries a sacredness to it. You want to carries a sacredness to it. You want to carries a sacredness to it. You want to remember those last words and hear these remember those last words and hear these remember those last words and hear these last words of Paul are to finish strong. last words of Paul are to finish strong. last words of Paul are to finish strong. You read into chapter 3 of second You read into chapter 3 of second You read into chapter 3 of second Timothy. Timothy. Timothy. Paul tells Timothy, "The last days are Paul tells Timothy, "The last days are Paul tells Timothy, "The last days are going to be bad. going to be bad. going to be bad. It's going to grow worse and worse as It's going to grow worse and worse as It's going to grow worse and worse as the as the love of God in people begins the as the love of God in people begins the as the love of God in people begins to grow cold. He begins to describe what to grow cold. He begins to describe what to grow cold. He begins to describe what rejecting truth looks like and what rejecting truth looks like and what rejecting truth looks like and what rampant evil looks like. That people are rampant evil looks like. That people are rampant evil looks like. That people are going to oppose God and the people of going to oppose God and the people of going to oppose God and the people of God. What he says is Timothy, finishing God. What he says is Timothy, finishing God. What he says is Timothy, finishing strong isn't going to be easy. strong isn't going to be easy. strong isn't going to be easy. But I want you to follow my example. But I want you to follow my example. But I want you to follow my example. Continue in the truth in which you've Continue in the truth in which you've Continue in the truth in which you've heard. And then we move to chapter four. heard. And then we move to chapter four. heard. And then we move to chapter four. And Paul again, this call, this charge And Paul again, this call, this charge And Paul again, this call, this charge to finish strong. Look at verse 1 and to finish strong. Look at verse 1 and to finish strong. Look at verse 1 and two of 2 Timothy 4. I charge you in the two of 2 Timothy 4. I charge you in the two of 2 Timothy 4. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead. And is to judge the living and the dead. And is to judge the living and the dead. And by his appearing in his kingdom, preach by his appearing in his kingdom, preach by his appearing in his kingdom, preach the word. Be ready in season and out of the word. Be ready in season and out of the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with season. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with season. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. in the complete patience and teaching. in the complete patience and teaching. in the entire book is this call, this charge entire book is this call, this charge entire book is this call, this charge to finish what was started to keep doing

to finish what was started to keep doing to finish what was started to keep doing Timothy what God has called you to do. Timothy what God has called you to do. Timothy what God has called you to do. And we read verses 6 through8, but just And we read verses 6 through8, but just And we read verses 6 through8, but just look at verse 5 there in 2 Timothy 4. As look at verse 5 there in 2 Timothy 4. As look at verse 5 there in 2 Timothy 4. As for you, for you, for you, always be sober minded, always be sober minded, always be sober minded, endure suffering, endure suffering, endure suffering, do the work of the evangelist, do the work of the evangelist, do the work of the evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. Timothy, and fulfill your ministry. Timothy, and fulfill your ministry. Timothy, don't give in. don't give in. don't give in. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. And then Paul points to his own life And then Paul points to his own life And then Paul points to his own life there in verse 7. He says, "Look at me. there in verse 7. He says, "Look at me. there in verse 7. He says, "Look at me. I've fought a good fight. I'm finishing I've fought a good fight. I'm finishing I've fought a good fight. I'm finishing the course and I have kept the faith." the course and I have kept the faith." the course and I have kept the faith." And essentially what Paul is telling And essentially what Paul is telling And essentially what Paul is telling Timothy is, Timothy, you are to do the Timothy is, Timothy, you are to do the Timothy is, Timothy, you are to do the same. And what Paul is doing for Timothy same. And what Paul is doing for Timothy same. And what Paul is doing for Timothy in this moment, by extension, as we open in this moment, by extension, as we open in this moment, by extension, as we open up God's word today, he's saying these up God's word today, he's saying these up God's word today, he's saying these very same words to me and to you that we very same words to me and to you that we very same words to me and to you that we must finish well. must finish well. must finish well. I love the summer. And one of the I love the summer. And one of the I love the summer. And one of the reasons I love summer is because I get reasons I love summer is because I get reasons I love summer is because I get to read what I want to read. And uh I to read what I want to read. And uh I to read what I want to read. And uh I just want to applaud you for allowing just want to applaud you for allowing just want to applaud you for allowing Pastor Michael and his family to get Pastor Michael and his family to get Pastor Michael and his family to get away during this month of July and just away during this month of July and just away during this month of July and just be with his family to rest and refuel.

be with his family to rest and refuel. be with his family to rest and refuel. And uh my church allows me the same. And uh my church allows me the same. And uh my church allows me the same. That's what I'm doing the month of July. That's what I'm doing the month of July. That's what I'm doing the month of July. And and so one of the things I love to And and so one of the things I love to And and so one of the things I love to do is to read without a pen in my hand. do is to read without a pen in my hand. do is to read without a pen in my hand. You know, throughout the years I'm You know, throughout the years I'm You know, throughout the years I'm reading. I'm mostly studying for reading. I'm mostly studying for reading. I'm mostly studying for messages or just trying to grow as a messages or just trying to grow as a messages or just trying to grow as a leader. In the summer I just want to leader. In the summer I just want to leader. In the summer I just want to read for fun. And one of the books that read for fun. And one of the books that read for fun. And one of the books that I was reading this summer had a study in I was reading this summer had a study in I was reading this summer had a study in it that was done by Dr. Bobby Clinton of it that was done by Dr. Bobby Clinton of it that was done by Dr. Bobby Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary. And he Fuller Theological Seminary. And he Fuller Theological Seminary. And he spent some years researching spent some years researching spent some years researching biblical and historical leaders. And he biblical and historical leaders. And he biblical and historical leaders. And he identified patterns in these leaders identified patterns in these leaders identified patterns in these leaders who finished well who finished well who finished well and those who did not finish well. and those who did not finish well. and those who did not finish well. He studied 49 He studied 49 He studied 49 biblical leaders and found that less biblical leaders and found that less biblical leaders and found that less than 25% than 25% than 25% finished well. finished well. finished well. And as he studied their life and looked And as he studied their life and looked And as he studied their life and looked in depth at their life, he mentioned six in depth at their life, he mentioned six in depth at their life, he mentioned six barriers. He calls it the what kills you barriers. He calls it the what kills you barriers. He calls it the what kills you list.

list. list. And listen to what's on this list that And listen to what's on this list that And listen to what's on this list that prevented these leaders from finishing prevented these leaders from finishing prevented these leaders from finishing strong. strong. strong. Six areas. Finances and greed, Six areas. Finances and greed, Six areas. Finances and greed, abuse of power, abuse of power, abuse of power, pride leading to downfall, pride leading to downfall, pride leading to downfall, elicit sexual relationships, elicit sexual relationships, elicit sexual relationships, family issues, family issues, family issues, and then what he calls plateauing or and then what he calls plateauing or and then what he calls plateauing or burnout. burnout. burnout. And we see this even today. It seems And we see this even today. It seems And we see this even today. It seems that many who start strong for the that many who start strong for the that many who start strong for the reasons above. And maybe there's others reasons above. And maybe there's others reasons above. And maybe there's others that we could mention end up not that we could mention end up not that we could mention end up not finishing finishing finishing well. well. well. But the call of God on our life But the call of God on our life But the call of God on our life is to finish strong. is to finish strong. is to finish strong. As Paul said, we fight the good fight. As Paul said, we fight the good fight. As Paul said, we fight the good fight. We finish our race and we are to keep We finish our race and we are to keep We finish our race and we are to keep the faith. This is the call to finish the faith. This is the call to finish the faith. This is the call to finish strong. Now, let's look at the strong. Now, let's look at the strong. Now, let's look at the motivation to finish strong. I take this motivation to finish strong. I take this motivation to finish strong. I take this mainly from verse 8. We'll look at it mainly from verse 8. We'll look at it mainly from verse 8. We'll look at it again.

again. again. Henceforth, Henceforth, Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of there is laid up for me the crown of there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, righteousness, righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not will award to me on that day, and not will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have only to me, but also to all who have only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing. loved his appearing. loved his appearing. There's a motivation here. There's a motivation here. There's a motivation here. that keeps Paul moving. that keeps Paul moving. that keeps Paul moving. There's a motivation that keeps Paul There's a motivation that keeps Paul There's a motivation that keeps Paul waking up every morning and by faith waking up every morning and by faith waking up every morning and by faith putting one foot in front of the other putting one foot in front of the other putting one foot in front of the other no matter what he's up against. Remember no matter what he's up against. Remember no matter what he's up against. Remember the context. He's in a dungeon prison. the context. He's in a dungeon prison. the context. He's in a dungeon prison. And yet you read Paul, he's got a sense And yet you read Paul, he's got a sense And yet you read Paul, he's got a sense of joy. of joy. of joy. He's got a sense of purpose. He's got a sense of purpose. He's got a sense of purpose. He's got this never giving up attitude. He's got this never giving up attitude. He's got this never giving up attitude. It's amazing really when you think about It's amazing really when you think about It's amazing really when you think about it. Well, Paul had this underlying it. Well, Paul had this underlying it. Well, Paul had this underlying motivation that aided him in moving motivation that aided him in moving motivation that aided him in moving forward. And what he does in this verse forward. And what he does in this verse forward. And what he does in this verse is he kind of peels back the curtain, if is he kind of peels back the curtain, if is he kind of peels back the curtain, if you will, and he TELLS US WHAT FUELED you will, and he TELLS US WHAT FUELED you will, and he TELLS US WHAT FUELED him to finish strong, what kept him him to finish strong, what kept him him to finish strong, what kept him going. In a word, going. In a word, going. In a word, it's a reward.

it's a reward. it's a reward. He said, "There is laid up for me He said, "There is laid up for me He said, "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." a crown of righteousness." a crown of righteousness." That phrase laid up, it means it is it That phrase laid up, it means it is it That phrase laid up, it means it is it is set aside. It is reserved for him, is set aside. It is reserved for him, is set aside. It is reserved for him, waiting on him. waiting on him. waiting on him. and he knows and he knows and he knows that whenever he crosses over the finish that whenever he crosses over the finish that whenever he crosses over the finish line, the race that it's been, and it hadn't the race that it's been, and it hadn't been a sprint, it's been a marathon. been a sprint, it's been a marathon. been a sprint, it's been a marathon. It's been a long journey for Paul, 30 It's been a long journey for Paul, 30 It's been a long journey for Paul, 30 years of walking with Jesus. years of walking with Jesus. years of walking with Jesus. And in 30 years of walking with Jesus, And in 30 years of walking with Jesus, And in 30 years of walking with Jesus, he knows he knows he knows that this reward that this reward that this reward is about to be given to him. Paul often is about to be given to him. Paul often is about to be given to him. Paul often used athletic imagery in his writing. used athletic imagery in his writing. used athletic imagery in his writing. Talked about running to win the prize. Talked about running to win the prize. Talked about running to win the prize. First Corinthians, First Corinthians, First Corinthians, talked about disciplining his body talked about disciplining his body talked about disciplining his body so that he wouldn't be disqualified. He so that he wouldn't be disqualified. He so that he wouldn't be disqualified. He talked to Philippians about pressing on talked to Philippians about pressing on talked to Philippians about pressing on toward the upward call of God in Christ toward the upward call of God in Christ toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. Here in verse seven, Here in verse seven, Here in verse seven, he says, "It's a fight. he says, "It's a fight. he says, "It's a fight. I've been getting after it and I'm about I've been getting after it and I'm about I've been getting after it and I'm about to complete this course that God has to complete this course that God has to complete this course that God has given me." given me." given me." The word The word The word crown there is the word Stephanos. crown there is the word Stephanos. crown there is the word Stephanos. It was a it was a a wreath that was put It was a it was a a wreath that was put It was a it was a a wreath that was put around an athlete who would win a around an athlete who would win a around an athlete who would win a particular contest particular contest particular contest and he says the award that Jesus the and he says the award that Jesus the and he says the award that Jesus the righteous judge is going to give to me righteous judge is going to give to me righteous judge is going to give to me it's a stephan off it's like this crown it's a stephan off it's like this crown it's a stephan off it's like this crown this is what kept him going this is what kept him going this is what kept him going laid up for me a crown of righteousness laid up for me a crown of righteousness laid up for me a crown of righteousness isn't it interesting that Here Paul is isn't it interesting that Here Paul is isn't it interesting that Here Paul is awaiting sentencing awaiting sentencing awaiting sentencing from a Roman magistrate, but the only from a Roman magistrate, but the only from a Roman magistrate, but the only verdict he's concerned with and consumed verdict he's concerned with and consumed verdict he's concerned with and consumed with is the one that the righteous judge with is the one that the righteous judge with is the one that the righteous judge is going to give him. That's the verdict is going to give him. That's the verdict is going to give him. That's the verdict that he's after.

that he's after. that he's after. And what motivated him to finish well is And what motivated him to finish well is And what motivated him to finish well is that this reward was awaiting him. And that this reward was awaiting him. And that this reward was awaiting him. And he says, not only to me, but to all he says, not only to me, but to all he says, not only to me, but to all those who loved his appearing. A few those who loved his appearing. A few those who loved his appearing. A few years ago, we took the girls on a Disney years ago, we took the girls on a Disney years ago, we took the girls on a Disney cruise and uh we made a stop at the the cruise and uh we made a stop at the the cruise and uh we made a stop at the the island there that uh Disney owns and island there that uh Disney owns and island there that uh Disney owns and they were going to have a 5K. they were going to have a 5K. they were going to have a 5K. And so my oldest wanted to run the 5K And so my oldest wanted to run the 5K And so my oldest wanted to run the 5K and I said, "Hey, I'll run it with you." and I said, "Hey, I'll run it with you." and I said, "Hey, I'll run it with you." And so we get to this island and we're And so we get to this island and we're And so we get to this island and we're the first off the boat because the race the first off the boat because the race the first off the boat because the race is starting. My wife and the other is starting. My wife and the other is starting. My wife and the other girls, they don't want to run. and they girls, they don't want to run. and they girls, they don't want to run. and they just want to get to the beach and lay just want to get to the beach and lay just want to get to the beach and lay out and have a good time. And so me and out and have a good time. And so me and out and have a good time. And so me and Riley, we run that 5K. Riley, we run that 5K. Riley, we run that 5K. And when we cross that finish line, I And when we cross that finish line, I And when we cross that finish line, I should have brought it with me. Any of should have brought it with me. Any of should have brought it with me. Any of you that have run in these races, you you that have run in these races, you you that have run in these races, you get a little get a little ribbon put get a little get a little ribbon put get a little get a little ribbon put around your neck, right? It's got a around your neck, right? It's got a around your neck, right? It's got a little medallion on it. I was so proud little medallion on it. I was so proud little medallion on it. I was so proud of that thing. I mean, I was walking of that thing. I mean, I was walking of that thing. I mean, I was walking around the island showing it to around the island showing it to around the island showing it to everybody. I finished this 5K.

everybody. I finished this 5K. everybody. I finished this 5K. And so I go, we find the family and I And so I go, we find the family and I And so I go, we find the family and I sit down and uh I'm making myself sit down and uh I'm making myself sit down and uh I'm making myself comfortable there, getting off my feet comfortable there, getting off my feet comfortable there, getting off my feet since I just ran that 5K. And I don't since I just ran that 5K. And I don't since I just ran that 5K. And I don't know, my wife got up about 30, 45 know, my wife got up about 30, 45 know, my wife got up about 30, 45 minutes later. She was going to go get, minutes later. She was going to go get, minutes later. She was going to go get, you know, some food and drink. And she you know, some food and drink. And she you know, some food and drink. And she comes back and she had a medallion. comes back and she had a medallion. comes back and she had a medallion. I said, "Where'd you get that?" And she I said, "Where'd you get that?" And she I said, "Where'd you get that?" And she said, "They were just giving them away." said, "They were just giving them away." said, "They were just giving them away." And I said, "No, they're not." And so I And I said, "No, they're not." And so I And I said, "No, they're not." And so I took her medallion away from her because took her medallion away from her because took her medallion away from her because you don't just get a medallion for you don't just get a medallion for you don't just get a medallion for showing up. showing up. showing up. No way. I ran that 5K. I get the No way. I ran that 5K. I get the No way. I ran that 5K. I get the medallion. medallion. medallion. Well, Paul says, "Look, if you want this Well, Paul says, "Look, if you want this Well, Paul says, "Look, if you want this crown of righteousness, crown of righteousness, crown of righteousness, you've got to love his appearing. It's you've got to love his appearing. It's you've got to love his appearing. It's not just for the fastest runner. not just for the fastest runner. not just for the fastest runner. It's not just for the most impressive It's not just for the most impressive It's not just for the most impressive runner. The one who gets the crown of runner. The one who gets the crown of runner. The one who gets the crown of righteousness is the one who's running righteousness is the one who's running righteousness is the one who's running after a person, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

after a person, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. after a person, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. THAT'S THE person who receives the crown THAT'S THE person who receives the crown THAT'S THE person who receives the crown of righteousness, the one who longs to of righteousness, the one who longs to of righteousness, the one who longs to see him. And this what kept Paul going. see him. And this what kept Paul going. see him. And this what kept Paul going. It was this future reward. It was this future reward. It was this future reward. It's what kept him focused. It's what It's what kept him focused. It's what It's what kept him focused. It's what prevented him from getting in a ditch or prevented him from getting in a ditch or prevented him from getting in a ditch or going off the deep end or pursuing some going off the deep end or pursuing some going off the deep end or pursuing some false advertisement from the evil one. false advertisement from the evil one. false advertisement from the evil one. his focus was on the future reward. And his focus was on the future reward. And his focus was on the future reward. And I would just ask you today for those of I would just ask you today for those of I would just ask you today for those of you that are that are listening and you that are that are listening and you that are that are listening and you're thinking about your life you're thinking about your life you're thinking about your life and this whole idea of finishing strong and this whole idea of finishing strong and this whole idea of finishing strong and maybe you're a little tired and and maybe you're a little tired and and maybe you're a little tired and you're thinking about giving in or you're thinking about giving in or you're thinking about giving in or giving up, giving up, giving up, thinking about throwing in the towel, thinking about throwing in the towel, thinking about throwing in the towel, stop running all together. stop running all together. stop running all together. I'd ask you in this moment, where is I'd ask you in this moment, where is I'd ask you in this moment, where is your focus? What's motivating you right now? What's motivating you right now? Just look again at those six barriers Just look again at those six barriers Just look again at those six barriers from Dr. Clinton's study. We'll put them from Dr. Clinton's study. We'll put them from Dr. Clinton's study. We'll put them on the screen for you. The what kills on the screen for you. The what kills on the screen for you. The what kills you list.

you list. you list. You see them there. You see them there. You see them there. The temptation to quit moving forward in The temptation to quit moving forward in The temptation to quit moving forward in your faith is real today. It could be your faith is real today. It could be your faith is real today. It could be that your motivation is off. that your motivation is off. that your motivation is off. Paul wasn't focused on any of these Paul wasn't focused on any of these Paul wasn't focused on any of these things. Money, it didn't move him things. Money, it didn't move him things. Money, it didn't move him power. He didn't have any. And what power. He didn't have any. And what power. He didn't have any. And what spiritual authority he did have, he used spiritual authority he did have, he used spiritual authority he did have, he used it to serve others. Pride. it to serve others. Pride. it to serve others. Pride. It's hard to be prideful when you're It's hard to be prideful when you're It's hard to be prideful when you're sitting in a dungeon prison awaiting sitting in a dungeon prison awaiting sitting in a dungeon prison awaiting your death, relying on others to meet your death, relying on others to meet your death, relying on others to meet your most basic needs. your most basic needs. your most basic needs. elicit sexual activity. elicit sexual activity. elicit sexual activity. Paul didn't have time for that jazz. He Paul didn't have time for that jazz. He Paul didn't have time for that jazz. He was busy advancing the kingdom. He was busy advancing the kingdom. He was busy advancing the kingdom. He didn't have the energy for that. didn't have the energy for that. didn't have the energy for that. We don't know much about Paul's family We don't know much about Paul's family We don't know much about Paul's family life, but he certainly wasn't burning life, but he certainly wasn't burning life, but he certainly wasn't burning out. out. out. He had a reward he was after that was to He had a reward he was after that was to He had a reward he was after that was to be given to him by Jesus. This is what be given to him by Jesus. This is what be given to him by Jesus. This is what he was after and this is what he was he was after and this is what he was he was after and this is what he was encouraging Timothy. is what he's encouraging Timothy. is what he's encouraging Timothy. is what he's encouraging me and you that if we are encouraging me and you that if we are encouraging me and you that if we are going to finish strong going to finish strong going to finish strong is going to happen by us not having our is going to happen by us not having our is going to happen by us not having our eyes on the things of this world but eyes on the things of this world but eyes on the things of this world but this eternal prize this future reward this eternal prize this future reward this eternal prize this future reward that is awaiting us.

that is awaiting us. that is awaiting us. This is the motivation This is the motivation This is the motivation to finish strong. to finish strong. to finish strong. So we've got the call to finish strong, So we've got the call to finish strong, So we've got the call to finish strong, the motivation to finish strong. Third, the motivation to finish strong. Third, the motivation to finish strong. Third, and finally, let's look at practically and finally, let's look at practically and finally, let's look at practically speaking, and this is where we'll spend speaking, and this is where we'll spend speaking, and this is where we'll spend most of our rest of our time together, most of our rest of our time together, most of our rest of our time together, is how to finish strong. And looking at is how to finish strong. And looking at is how to finish strong. And looking at Paul's life Paul's life Paul's life here in verses 6 through8, we see how we here in verses 6 through8, we see how we here in verses 6 through8, we see how we can practically finish strong. I want to can practically finish strong. I want to can practically finish strong. I want to give you three give you three give you three ways. Number one, we need to live with ways. Number one, we need to live with ways. Number one, we need to live with the end in mind. the end in mind. the end in mind. Several weeks ago, I was at a conference Several weeks ago, I was at a conference Several weeks ago, I was at a conference and the worship artist Shane and Shane and the worship artist Shane and Shane and the worship artist Shane and Shane were there were there were there and uh you're familiar with Shane and and uh you're familiar with Shane and and uh you're familiar with Shane and Shane's music. You sing some of it here. Shane's music. You sing some of it here. Shane's music. You sing some of it here. I think they've been in concert here I think they've been in concert here I think they've been in concert here before. Great. Uh they put out a before. Great. Uh they put out a before. Great. Uh they put out a devotional every morning uh that uh they devotional every morning uh that uh they devotional every morning uh that uh they sing a song. They give the story behind sing a song. They give the story behind sing a song. They give the story behind the song or why it's important. It's the song or why it's important. It's the song or why it's important. It's about 10 to 15 minutes long and it's a about 10 to 15 minutes long and it's a about 10 to 15 minutes long and it's a great devotional and they record it with great devotional and they record it with great devotional and they record it with different people and at this conference different people and at this conference different people and at this conference uh they had asked me uh to kind of rec uh they had asked me uh to kind of rec uh they had asked me uh to kind of rec pick a song and then just kind of talk pick a song and then just kind of talk pick a song and then just kind of talk with them about it and they were at this with them about it and they were at this with them about it and they were at this conference. I thought we were going to conference. I thought we were going to conference. I thought we were going to be doing this little thing in a green be doing this little thing in a green be doing this little thing in a green room out back and I got there and uh we room out back and I got there and uh we room out back and I got there and uh we were part of the production meeting and were part of the production meeting and were part of the production meeting and then they said and then we'll just then they said and then we'll just then they said and then we'll just Pastor Jarrett if you'll just come out Pastor Jarrett if you'll just come out Pastor Jarrett if you'll just come out on stage we'll just do this live in on stage we'll just do this live in on stage we'll just do this live in front of the conference. I said we'll do front of the conference. I said we'll do front of the conference. I said we'll do what? I wasn't ready for that. Thrive what? I wasn't ready for that. Thrive what? I wasn't ready for that. Thrive off of preparation. I wasn't ready for off of preparation. I wasn't ready for off of preparation. I wasn't ready for that. But I picked the song they gave me

that. But I picked the song they gave me that. But I picked the song they gave me um uh choices and I picked the song um uh choices and I picked the song um uh choices and I picked the song Fernando Ortega's uh just give me Jesus. Fernando Ortega's uh just give me Jesus. Fernando Ortega's uh just give me Jesus. You know that song? I won't sing it for You know that song? I won't sing it for You know that song? I won't sing it for you, but the the thesis of in the you, but the the thesis of in the you, but the the thesis of in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Then morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Then morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Then it goes through when I'm alone or when it goes through when I'm alone or when it goes through when I'm alone or when I'm scared, give me Jesus. I'm scared, give me Jesus. I'm scared, give me Jesus. And then when I come to die, give me And then when I come to die, give me And then when I come to die, give me Jesus. Just give me Jesus. And I love Jesus. Just give me Jesus. And I love Jesus. Just give me Jesus. And I love that psalm because it covers the whole that psalm because it covers the whole that psalm because it covers the whole gamut of life from the time we wake up gamut of life from the time we wake up gamut of life from the time we wake up in the morning. Give me Jesus to the in the morning. Give me Jesus to the in the morning. Give me Jesus to the time that we die. Give me Jesus. And as time that we die. Give me Jesus. And as time that we die. Give me Jesus. And as I was talking to them about why this I was talking to them about why this I was talking to them about why this song is important and what it means to song is important and what it means to song is important and what it means to me, I said, "You know what? I don't I me, I said, "You know what? I don't I me, I said, "You know what? I don't I don't know if it's just the line of work don't know if it's just the line of work don't know if it's just the line of work that I'm in as a pastor, that I'm in as a pastor, that I'm in as a pastor, being in hospital rooms, being in hospital rooms, being in hospital rooms, speaking at funerals. speaking at funerals. speaking at funerals. I'm near death a lot. I'm near death a lot. I'm near death a lot. And the psalmist said Psalm 90:10, "The And the psalmist said Psalm 90:10, "The And the psalmist said Psalm 90:10, "The years of our life are 70 or even by years of our life are 70 or even by years of our life are 70 or even by reason of strength 80. Yet their span is reason of strength 80. Yet their span is reason of strength 80. Yet their span is but toil and trouble. They are soon gone but toil and trouble. They are soon gone but toil and trouble. They are soon gone and we fly away."

and we fly away." and we fly away." And I'm just sensitive to the brevity of And I'm just sensitive to the brevity of And I'm just sensitive to the brevity of life. life. life. And that's why I love this song, Just And that's why I love this song, Just And that's why I love this song, Just Give Me Jesus, because at the end of the Give Me Jesus, because at the end of the Give Me Jesus, because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. I mean, I day, that's all that matters. I mean, I day, that's all that matters. I mean, I turned 48 last month. turned 48 last month. turned 48 last month. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I've been married now I've been married now I've been married now for 24 years. for 24 years. for 24 years. Need to make sure I got that right. Need to make sure I got that right. Need to make sure I got that right. We're in the process of sending our We're in the process of sending our We're in the process of sending our second second second to college. to college. to college. And I just say all this to say I'm And I just say all this to say I'm And I just say all this to say I'm acutely aware acutely aware acutely aware of how fast of how fast of how fast and how quickly time seems to be passing and how quickly time seems to be passing and how quickly time seems to be passing by. Super sensitive to it. This morning by. Super sensitive to it. This morning by. Super sensitive to it. This morning in my time alone with the Lord. Always in my time alone with the Lord. Always in my time alone with the Lord. Always read a proverb of the day. Whatever read a proverb of the day. Whatever read a proverb of the day. Whatever proverb, whatever day it is, I read the proverb, whatever day it is, I read the proverb, whatever day it is, I read the proverb of the day. Proverbs 27. proverb of the day. Proverbs 27. proverb of the day. Proverbs 27. And then my Psalms. I read two or three And then my Psalms. I read two or three And then my Psalms. I read two or three Psalms. My my psalms reading before I go Psalms. My my psalms reading before I go Psalms. My my psalms reading before I go to my Old Testament chapter, my New to my Old Testament chapter, my New to my Old Testament chapter, my New Testament chapter was Psalm 39:es 4 and Testament chapter was Psalm 39:es 4 and Testament chapter was Psalm 39:es 4 and five five five says, "Teach me to to know the end of my says, "Teach me to to know the end of my says, "Teach me to to know the end of my days, the measure of my days. They are days, the measure of my days. They are days, the measure of my days. They are fleeting. We are a mere shadow."

fleeting. We are a mere shadow." fleeting. We are a mere shadow." It's true. I mean, I remember when my It's true. I mean, I remember when my It's true. I mean, I remember when my mom turned 40 years old. mom turned 40 years old. mom turned 40 years old. I came home that afternoon and her I came home that afternoon and her I came home that afternoon and her friends had thrown her a birthday party friends had thrown her a birthday party friends had thrown her a birthday party and there was a wheelchair sitting in and there was a wheelchair sitting in and there was a wheelchair sitting in the middle of the room and all these the middle of the room and all these the middle of the room and all these balloons that said over the hill and I balloons that said over the hill and I balloons that said over the hill and I remember looking at that and celebrating remember looking at that and celebrating remember looking at that and celebrating her birthday and I do remember thinking her birthday and I do remember thinking her birthday and I do remember thinking she is ancient 40 years old. she is ancient 40 years old. she is ancient 40 years old. She's old. Here I am two years away from 50 Here I am two years away from 50 talking to a buddy that I graduated talking to a buddy that I graduated talking to a buddy that I graduated college with and we're talking about, college with and we're talking about, college with and we're talking about, you know, just the reality you know, just the reality you know, just the reality that we probably have less birthdays in that we probably have less birthdays in that we probably have less birthdays in front of us than we do behind us. It's front of us than we do behind us. It's front of us than we do behind us. It's sobering sobering sobering as I'm the home I grew up in this this as I'm the home I grew up in this this as I'm the home I grew up in this this weekend and my mom and dad have one of weekend and my mom and dad have one of weekend and my mom and dad have one of those memory frames, you know what I'm those memory frames, you know what I'm those memory frames, you know what I'm talking about, that you have the talking about, that you have the talking about, that you have the pictures plugged into. And I'm looking pictures plugged into. And I'm looking pictures plugged into. And I'm looking at these pictures of when our kids were at these pictures of when our kids were at these pictures of when our kids were so small, vacations that we had, so small, vacations that we had, so small, vacations that we had, Christmas pictures, and I'm thinking Christmas pictures, and I'm thinking Christmas pictures, and I'm thinking that feels like just yesterday, that feels like just yesterday, that feels like just yesterday, 15 years ago, 20 years ago, 15 years ago, 20 years ago, 15 years ago, 20 years ago, [snorts] sobering.

And as the days pass And as the days pass and the years go by and faster and and the years go by and faster and and the years go by and faster and faster it seems, faster it seems, faster it seems, more and more thinking about the finish. more and more thinking about the finish. more and more thinking about the finish. Paul said, "The time of my departure Paul said, "The time of my departure Paul said, "The time of my departure has come." has come." has come." Word departure, it's a it's a picture of Word departure, it's a it's a picture of Word departure, it's a it's a picture of rolling up the anchor and setting sail. It's used in the New Testament It's used in the New Testament Greek to describe striking a tent. You Greek to describe striking a tent. You Greek to describe striking a tent. You were camping. You set up your tent. It's were camping. You set up your tent. It's were camping. You set up your tent. It's time to strike it down. You're leaving. time to strike it down. You're leaving. time to strike it down. You're leaving. Time for my departure Time for my departure Time for my departure has come. has come. has come. Martin Luther, the great reformer, said, Martin Luther, the great reformer, said, Martin Luther, the great reformer, said, "There's two days that need to be on "There's two days that need to be on "There's two days that need to be on your calendar. your calendar. your calendar. This day, today, This day, today, This day, today, and that day. and that day. and that day. When you stand before When you stand before When you stand before the Lord, the Lord, the Lord, we need to be thinking more and more we need to be thinking more and more we need to be thinking more and more about that day, about that day, about that day, when we set sail, when we set sail, when we set sail, when we strike down the tent, when we strike down the tent, when we strike down the tent, when we depart and go home.

when we depart and go home. when we depart and go home. This is what'll help us finish. Well, This is what'll help us finish. Well, This is what'll help us finish. Well, I look at that what kills you list. I look at that what kills you list. I look at that what kills you list. We'll put it on the screen again. We'll put it on the screen again. We'll put it on the screen again. And I can just tell you that if we fall And I can just tell you that if we fall And I can just tell you that if we fall prey to any of these things, we are not prey to any of these things, we are not prey to any of these things, we are not thinking of that day. thinking of that day. thinking of that day. I have in my Proverbs reading, Proverbs I have in my Proverbs reading, Proverbs I have in my Proverbs reading, Proverbs 56 and 7. It's all about number four on 56 and 7. It's all about number four on 56 and 7. It's all about number four on that list, that list, that list, elicit sexual relationships. elicit sexual relationships. elicit sexual relationships. And I have in my Bible, a wide margin And I have in my Bible, a wide margin And I have in my Bible, a wide margin Bible where I write in my Bible a lot. Bible where I write in my Bible a lot. Bible where I write in my Bible a lot. I've got the names of pastors right by I've got the names of pastors right by I've got the names of pastors right by Proverbs 56 and 7. Proverbs 56 and 7. Proverbs 56 and 7. Names of pastors who have failed in this Names of pastors who have failed in this Names of pastors who have failed in this area. area. area. And every time I read these proverbs and And every time I read these proverbs and And every time I read these proverbs and I see these names, it's not for I see these names, it's not for I see these names, it's not for judgment. It's a reminder to pray for judgment. It's a reminder to pray for judgment. It's a reminder to pray for them. them. them. It's a reminder for me. It's a reminder for me. It's a reminder for me. But by the grace of God, there go I.

But by the grace of God, there go I. But by the grace of God, there go I. God, help me to finish strong. God, help me to finish strong. God, help me to finish strong. If we fail to live with the end in mind, If we fail to live with the end in mind, If we fail to live with the end in mind, we'll get caught up and led astray. And we'll get caught up and led astray. And we'll get caught up and led astray. And we need to remember the cost of not we need to remember the cost of not we need to remember the cost of not finishing strong. finishing strong. finishing strong. Randy Alorn, who Randy Alorn, who Randy Alorn, who wrote the book Heaven, wrote the book Heaven, wrote the book Heaven, um, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, um, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, um, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, great author, great preacher. great author, great preacher. great author, great preacher. He came up with a list one time and I've He came up with a list one time and I've He came up with a list one time and I've preached this at men's conferences that preached this at men's conferences that preached this at men's conferences that I've done. I've done. I've done. He sat down and as he was thinking about He sat down and as he was thinking about He sat down and as he was thinking about this whole idea of living with the end this whole idea of living with the end this whole idea of living with the end in mind and finishing strong, he wrote in mind and finishing strong, he wrote in mind and finishing strong, he wrote the consequences of a moral failure. You the consequences of a moral failure. You the consequences of a moral failure. You can you can find it on the internet. You can you can find it on the internet. You can you can find it on the internet. You can go consequences of a moral failure can go consequences of a moral failure can go consequences of a moral failure by Randy Alin. by Randy Alin. by Randy Alin. He just wrote down a list of things. I'm He just wrote down a list of things. I'm He just wrote down a list of things. I'm not going to read them all, but just a not going to read them all, but just a not going to read them all, but just a sample list that if he had a moral sample list that if he had a moral sample list that if he had a moral failure, he'd grieve the Lord who failure, he'd grieve the Lord who failure, he'd grieve the Lord who redeemed him, redeemed him, redeemed him, drag his sacred name into the mud, drag his sacred name into the mud, drag his sacred name into the mud, one day having to look Jesus, the one day having to look Jesus, the one day having to look Jesus, the righteous judge, in the face, and give righteous judge, in the face, and give righteous judge, in the face, and give an account for my actions, an account for my actions, an account for my actions, following in the footsteps of these following in the footsteps of these following in the footsteps of these people whose immorality forfeited their people whose immorality forfeited their people whose immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder. And ministries and caused me to shudder. And ministries and caused me to shudder. And he listed the names of pastors that had he listed the names of pastors that had he listed the names of pastors that had failed. Inflicting untold hurt on his failed. Inflicting untold hurt on his failed. Inflicting untold hurt on his wife and best friend. Losing her respect wife and best friend. Losing her respect wife and best friend. Losing her respect and trust. Hurting my beloved daughters.

and trust. Hurting my beloved daughters. and trust. Hurting my beloved daughters. List their names. Destroying my example List their names. Destroying my example List their names. Destroying my example and credibility with my children. and credibility with my children. and credibility with my children. Nullifying with both present and future Nullifying with both present and future Nullifying with both present and future efforts to teach them to obey God. Why efforts to teach them to obey God. Why efforts to teach them to obey God. Why listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? listen to a man who betrayed mom and us? If my blindness should continue or my If my blindness should continue or my If my blindness should continue or my wife be unable to forgive, I could wife be unable to forgive, I could wife be unable to forgive, I could perhaps lose my wife and children perhaps lose my wife and children perhaps lose my wife and children forever, causing shame to my family. Why forever, causing shame to my family. Why forever, causing shame to my family. Why isn't dad a pastor anymore? losing isn't dad a pastor anymore? losing isn't dad a pastor anymore? losing self-respect, creating a form of guilt self-respect, creating a form of guilt self-respect, creating a form of guilt awfully hard to shake. Even though God awfully hard to shake. Even though God awfully hard to shake. Even though God would forgive me, would I be able to would forgive me, would I be able to would forgive me, would I be able to forgive myself? forgive myself? forgive myself? He just lists out, I mean, there's 10 to He just lists out, I mean, there's 10 to He just lists out, I mean, there's 10 to 15 more consequences of a moral failure. 15 more consequences of a moral failure. 15 more consequences of a moral failure. He's living with the end in mind. To put He's living with the end in mind. To put He's living with the end in mind. To put it in Paul's language, it in Paul's language, it in Paul's language, he's got a reward that he's after. he's got a reward that he's after. he's got a reward that he's after. And sometimes it's really helpful to be And sometimes it's really helpful to be And sometimes it's really helpful to be reminded in tangible ways of what not reminded in tangible ways of what not reminded in tangible ways of what not finishing strong looks like. finishing strong looks like. finishing strong looks like. Me and my buddy, Me and my buddy, Me and my buddy, we have served together in ministry for we have served together in ministry for we have served together in ministry for goodness close to 25 years now. Started goodness close to 25 years now. Started goodness close to 25 years now. Started out as interns.

out as interns. out as interns. I was doing young singles in college I was doing young singles in college I was doing young singles in college ministry for a season. He was doing ministry for a season. He was doing ministry for a season. He was doing young marriage for a season. I'd get young marriage for a season. I'd get young marriage for a season. I'd get them married off and then he'd mess them them married off and then he'd mess them them married off and then he'd mess them up and I have to go back and fix it. up and I have to go back and fix it. up and I have to go back and fix it. I became a teaching pastor. He became a I became a teaching pastor. He became a I became a teaching pastor. He became a campus pastor. campus pastor. campus pastor. He moved to northeast Houston. I moved He moved to northeast Houston. I moved He moved to northeast Houston. I moved to Northwest Houston. We've been doing to Northwest Houston. We've been doing to Northwest Houston. We've been doing ministry together for a long time. ministry together for a long time. ministry together for a long time. There's a man that we served with at our There's a man that we served with at our There's a man that we served with at our church in Dallas. Many of you probably church in Dallas. Many of you probably church in Dallas. Many of you probably familiar with the name. His name is Neil familiar with the name. His name is Neil familiar with the name. His name is Neil Jeffrey. Played football at Baylor. Jeffrey. Played football at Baylor. Jeffrey. Played football at Baylor. All-American quarterback. He's a pastor. All-American quarterback. He's a pastor. All-American quarterback. He's a pastor. Just a great man. And early on in me and Just a great man. And early on in me and Just a great man. And early on in me and my buddy's ministry, we we started my buddy's ministry, we we started my buddy's ministry, we we started seeing seeing seeing um people um people um people fall though, the what kills you list, fall though, the what kills you list, fall though, the what kills you list, finances, greed, power, elicit sexual finances, greed, power, elicit sexual finances, greed, power, elicit sexual relationships, whatever it was. And relationships, whatever it was. And relationships, whatever it was. And Neil Jeffrey had a picture with his Neil Jeffrey had a picture with his Neil Jeffrey had a picture with his family early on. It was his kids and family early on. It was his kids and family early on. It was his kids and their grandkids, and he was sitting in their grandkids, and he was sitting in their grandkids, and he was sitting in the middle with his wife, just a man of the middle with his wife, just a man of the middle with his wife, just a man of integrity and character.

integrity and character. integrity and character. We saw that picture, and we started We saw that picture, and we started We saw that picture, and we started sharing it with one another whenever we sharing it with one another whenever we sharing it with one another whenever we would hear of somebody morally falling. would hear of somebody morally falling. would hear of somebody morally falling. And through the years, we've gone back And through the years, we've gone back And through the years, we've gone back and forth. Here's a picture of the and forth. Here's a picture of the and forth. Here's a picture of the latest picture of Neil with his family. latest picture of Neil with his family. latest picture of Neil with his family. And this is the picture we send to each And this is the picture we send to each And this is the picture we send to each other now whenever we hear of somebody other now whenever we hear of somebody other now whenever we hear of somebody morally defaulting, not finishing morally defaulting, not finishing morally defaulting, not finishing strong. strong. strong. And we send this picture to each other And we send this picture to each other And we send this picture to each other because that is success, because that is success, because that is success, not worldly accomplishment, not not worldly influence. worldly influence. worldly influence. What success is is being a man who has What success is is being a man who has What success is is being a man who has remained faithful to his bride and being remained faithful to his bride and being remained faithful to his bride and being surrounded by kids and grandkids that surrounded by kids and grandkids that surrounded by kids and grandkids that respect you and want to be with you. respect you and want to be with you. respect you and want to be with you. That That That is finishing well. is finishing well. is finishing well. Life is a vapor Life is a vapor Life is a vapor here today and gone tomorrow. And if we here today and gone tomorrow. And if we here today and gone tomorrow. And if we want to finish well, we must live with want to finish well, we must live with want to finish well, we must live with the end in mind because the end will be the end in mind because the end will be the end in mind because the end will be here faster than any of us realize.

here faster than any of us realize. here faster than any of us realize. Secondly, we need to not be surprised by Secondly, we need to not be surprised by Secondly, we need to not be surprised by life's challenges. life's challenges. life's challenges. You want to finish well, don't be You want to finish well, don't be You want to finish well, don't be surprised by life's challenges. Paul, surprised by life's challenges. Paul, surprised by life's challenges. Paul, notice, he said, "I fought a good notice, he said, "I fought a good notice, he said, "I fought a good fight." HE CALLS LIFE A FIGHT. IT'S fight." HE CALLS LIFE A FIGHT. IT'S fight." HE CALLS LIFE A FIGHT. IT'S WHERE WE GET THE word agony from. WHERE WE GET THE word agony from. WHERE WE GET THE word agony from. It is a long agonizing fight It is a long agonizing fight It is a long agonizing fight and we're going to suffer and we're and we're going to suffer and we're and we're going to suffer and we're going to go through trials and we're going to go through trials and we're going to go through trials and we're going to have dark nights of the soul. going to have dark nights of the soul. going to have dark nights of the soul. And if we're not aware And if we're not aware And if we're not aware that we are going to go through trials that we are going to go through trials that we are going to go through trials and have troubles, if we are surprised and have troubles, if we are surprised and have troubles, if we are surprised by life's challenges, what happens when by life's challenges, what happens when by life's challenges, what happens when a valley moment comes in life, we'll be a valley moment comes in life, we'll be a valley moment comes in life, we'll be tempted to throw up our hands and think tempted to throw up our hands and think tempted to throw up our hands and think God hadn't come through on his promise God hadn't come through on his promise God hadn't come through on his promise to us. But what has he promised? He's to us. But what has he promised? He's to us. But what has he promised? He's promised that he will be faithful in the promised that he will be faithful in the promised that he will be faithful in the trial. trial. trial. Not to deliver us out of it, Not to deliver us out of it, Not to deliver us out of it, but faithful through it. And so what but faithful through it. And so what but faithful through it. And so what happens is when suffering comes, if happens is when suffering comes, if happens is when suffering comes, if we're not careful, we'll start throwing we're not careful, we'll start throwing we're not careful, we'll start throwing oursel a pity party. Woe is me. Why is oursel a pity party. Woe is me. Why is oursel a pity party. Woe is me. Why is this happening?

this happening? this happening? We act shocked. We act shocked. We act shocked. God, why? Why are you doing this? But God, why? Why are you doing this? But God, why? Why are you doing this? But isn't it true what trials and troubles isn't it true what trials and troubles isn't it true what trials and troubles and sufferings plural, it's going to be and sufferings plural, it's going to be and sufferings plural, it's going to be that way all of life, that way all of life, that way all of life, what they do for us is they purify our what they do for us is they purify our what they do for us is they purify our faith. faith. faith. They make us more like Jesus. They make us more like Jesus. They make us more like Jesus. They refine us. They refine us. They refine us. And we need to be ready for sufferings. And we need to be ready for sufferings. And we need to be ready for sufferings. We need to be prepared for trials and We need to be prepared for trials and We need to be prepared for trials and trouble. trouble. trouble. Interesting in this passage, the wording Interesting in this passage, the wording Interesting in this passage, the wording Paul uses in the first part of verse Paul uses in the first part of verse Paul uses in the first part of verse six, he says, "I am already being poured six, he says, "I am already being poured six, he says, "I am already being poured out as a drink offering." The drink out as a drink offering." The drink out as a drink offering." The drink offering was the part of the sacrificial offering was the part of the sacrificial offering was the part of the sacrificial offering that concluded the offering. offering that concluded the offering. offering that concluded the offering. The offering was made and at the The offering was made and at the The offering was made and at the conclusion of the sacrifice, the priest conclusion of the sacrifice, the priest conclusion of the sacrifice, the priest would take the wine and he would pour it would take the wine and he would pour it would take the wine and he would pour it out at the base of the altar. And this out at the base of the altar. And this out at the base of the altar. And this act of pouring out the wine on the act of pouring out the wine on the act of pouring out the wine on the altar, it concluded altar, it concluded altar, it concluded the offering, brought it to completion.

the offering, brought it to completion. the offering, brought it to completion. And this is what Paul is saying here. And this is what Paul is saying here. And this is what Paul is saying here. What a picture he paints. He says, "This What a picture he paints. He says, "This What a picture he paints. He says, "This is my life. I'm being poured out as a is my life. I'm being poured out as a is my life. I'm being poured out as a drink offering." Interesting that he uses this phrase Interesting that he uses this phrase in the tense of the Greek here is to in the tense of the Greek here is to in the tense of the Greek here is to suggest God is the agent of the one suggest God is the agent of the one suggest God is the agent of the one doing the pouring. doing the pouring. doing the pouring. In other words, Paul has so surrendered In other words, Paul has so surrendered In other words, Paul has so surrendered his life to God that he says, "God, if his life to God that he says, "God, if his life to God that he says, "God, if you want to pour me out, if this is it, you want to pour me out, if this is it, you want to pour me out, if this is it, if this brings my life to completion, if this brings my life to completion, if this brings my life to completion, the offering of my life, so be it. the offering of my life, so be it. the offering of my life, so be it. If this helps people move forward in If this helps people move forward in If this helps people move forward in their relationship with Christ, if it their relationship with Christ, if it their relationship with Christ, if it advances the kingdom, advances the kingdom, advances the kingdom, this is what I've signed up for. this is what I've signed up for. this is what I've signed up for. Whatever means necessary, God, you do Whatever means necessary, God, you do Whatever means necessary, God, you do it." But if we want to finish well, we it." But if we want to finish well, we it." But if we want to finish well, we don't need to be surprised by life's don't need to be surprised by life's don't need to be surprised by life's challenges. challenges. challenges. This is what grows our faith. This is what grows our faith. This is what grows our faith. It's where the glory of God is It's where the glory of God is It's where the glory of God is on display the most. It's also life's on display the most. It's also life's on display the most. It's also life's hardships and challenges that get us hardships and challenges that get us hardships and challenges that get us ready to go home. Isn't that true?

ready to go home. Isn't that true? ready to go home. Isn't that true? You've been here long enough. You've been here long enough. You've been here long enough. You've buried enough loved ones. You've buried enough loved ones. You've buried enough loved ones. You've seen enough friends and family You've seen enough friends and family You've seen enough friends and family members go through pain and suffering. members go through pain and suffering. members go through pain and suffering. What does that what does that get you What does that what does that get you What does that what does that get you ready for? It gets you ready to go get you ready for the return of Christ. get you ready for the return of Christ. Come and make all things new. Come and make all things new. Come and make all things new. So if we're going to finish well, So if we're going to finish well, So if we're going to finish well, we need to number one live with the end we need to number one live with the end we need to number one live with the end in mind. Number two, we need to not be in mind. Number two, we need to not be in mind. Number two, we need to not be surprised by life's challenges. Third, surprised by life's challenges. Third, surprised by life's challenges. Third, and finally, we need to remember the and finally, we need to remember the and finally, we need to remember the people in our lives that are watching people in our lives that are watching people in our lives that are watching us. I'm not going to stay here long. us. I'm not going to stay here long. us. I'm not going to stay here long. It's not explicit in the text, but it's It's not explicit in the text, but it's It's not explicit in the text, but it's for sure seen on every page of this for sure seen on every page of this for sure seen on every page of this letter. Paul's love for Timothy and the letter. Paul's love for Timothy and the letter. Paul's love for Timothy and the concern he had for the churches that he concern he had for the churches that he concern he had for the churches that he planning. Part of what made Paul finish planning. Part of what made Paul finish planning. Part of what made Paul finish strong is that he knew people were strong is that he knew people were strong is that he knew people were watching him. watching him. watching him. He had a a responsibility He had a a responsibility He had a a responsibility to finish well. He had people in his to finish well. He had people in his to finish well. He had people in his life that he didn't want to let down.

life that he didn't want to let down. life that he didn't want to let down. Whenever I travel, I did it last night. Whenever I travel, I did it last night. Whenever I travel, I did it last night. Soon as I got to the hotel room, reached Soon as I got to the hotel room, reached Soon as I got to the hotel room, reached in my bag. I got a travel frame here. in my bag. I got a travel frame here. in my bag. I got a travel frame here. Take it with me. Stays in my bag. Take it with me. Stays in my bag. Take it with me. Stays in my bag. And I put it on the nightstand. And I put it on the nightstand. And I put it on the nightstand. Picture of me and my bride. Picture of me and my bride. Picture of me and my bride. Picture of me and my girls. And I just Picture of me and my girls. And I just Picture of me and my girls. And I just put it right there on the nightstand put it right there on the nightstand put it right there on the nightstand as a reminder as a reminder as a reminder of the importance of finishing well of the importance of finishing well of the importance of finishing well because people are watching me. because people are watching me. because people are watching me. And there is no way. Look, I don't want And there is no way. Look, I don't want And there is no way. Look, I don't want to let down the Lord Jesus Christ. to let down the Lord Jesus Christ. to let down the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want to let down these girls. I don't want to let down these girls. I don't want to let down these girls. Neil Jeffrey earlier, he was a part of Neil Jeffrey earlier, he was a part of Neil Jeffrey earlier, he was a part of my ordination service. I remember after my ordination service. I remember after my ordination service. I remember after the ordination service, I'd passed all the ordination service, I'd passed all the ordination service, I'd passed all the test. I'd answered all the questions the test. I'd answered all the questions the test. I'd answered all the questions and and Neil just said, Jared, and and Neil just said, Jared, and and Neil just said, Jared, he said, you know, if you ever did he said, you know, if you ever did he said, you know, if you ever did anything to hurt Debbie, I'd be so anything to hurt Debbie, I'd be so anything to hurt Debbie, I'd be so disappointed in you. disappointed in you. disappointed in you. Boy, that cut me to the heart. I thought Boy, that cut me to the heart. I thought Boy, that cut me to the heart. I thought I don't want to disappoint Jesus, but I I don't want to disappoint Jesus, but I I don't want to disappoint Jesus, but I don't want to disappoint Neil Jeffrey don't want to disappoint Neil Jeffrey don't want to disappoint Neil Jeffrey either.

either. either. And now And now And now I don't want to disappoint Jesus. I don't want to disappoint Jesus. I don't want to disappoint Jesus. I don't want to disappoint my girls. I I don't want to disappoint my girls. I I don't want to disappoint my girls. I don't want to disappoint my parents who don't want to disappoint my parents who don't want to disappoint my parents who raised me, gave me every opportunity in raised me, gave me every opportunity in raised me, gave me every opportunity in life to succeed and get an education and life to succeed and get an education and life to succeed and get an education and go places. go places. go places. My church in Houston that God has My church in Houston that God has My church in Houston that God has entrusted to me. entrusted to me. entrusted to me. I don't want to let them down. I want to fight to the finish I want to fight to the finish and green acres. and green acres. and green acres. This is the challenge on our lives today This is the challenge on our lives today This is the challenge on our lives today to fight to fight to fight and to finish for the glory of God. and to finish for the glory of God. and to finish for the glory of God. Amen. Let's pray together. Amen. Let's pray together. Amen. Let's pray together. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, we bow in your presence, thanking you for your goodness today and thanking you for your goodness today and having us here together in a church that having us here together in a church that having us here together in a church that worships you, that opens your word.

worships you, that opens your word. worships you, that opens your word. Holy Spirit, I believe that you have Holy Spirit, I believe that you have Holy Spirit, I believe that you have searched hearts and minds in this room searched hearts and minds in this room searched hearts and minds in this room as your word has been preached. We know as your word has been preached. We know as your word has been preached. We know your word never returns void. your word never returns void. your word never returns void. So God, I just pray that Lord, we can't finish something that Lord, we can't finish something well if we haven't started. well if we haven't started. well if we haven't started. So, if there's one person here today So, if there's one person here today So, if there's one person here today that doesn't know you in a personal way, that doesn't know you in a personal way, that doesn't know you in a personal way, they've never had their sins forgiven, they've never had their sins forgiven, they've never had their sins forgiven, they're not walking with you, they're not walking with you, they're not walking with you, Lord, I pray that today would be the day Lord, I pray that today would be the day Lord, I pray that today would be the day of salvation, that they would call on of salvation, that they would call on of salvation, that they would call on you and be saved, be changed from you and be saved, be changed from you and be saved, be changed from within. within. within. Lord, we can only finish well when Lord, we can only finish well when Lord, we can only finish well when you're living in us, giving us the power you're living in us, giving us the power you're living in us, giving us the power to walk with you, to walk with you, to walk with you, to make godly decisions, to follow you to make godly decisions, to follow you to make godly decisions, to follow you wholeheartedly. So Lord, for anyone here wholeheartedly. So Lord, for anyone here wholeheartedly. So Lord, for anyone here that doesn't know you, may today be the that doesn't know you, may today be the that doesn't know you, may today be the day of salvation. God, I pray for my day of salvation. God, I pray for my day of salvation. God, I pray for my brothers and sisters here who, Lord, may brothers and sisters here who, Lord, may brothers and sisters here who, Lord, may be tempted to throw in the towel. be tempted to throw in the towel. be tempted to throw in the towel. They've had some challenges thrown their They've had some challenges thrown their They've had some challenges thrown their way, and quite honestly, Lord, they've way, and quite honestly, Lord, they've way, and quite honestly, Lord, they've been surprised by how hard the battle's been surprised by how hard the battle's been surprised by how hard the battle's been.

been. been. Lord, I pray that today you would use Lord, I pray that today you would use Lord, I pray that today you would use your word your word your word to let them see the agony, the fight. Though it may be Though it may be different for someone than someone else, different for someone than someone else, different for someone than someone else, Lord, it is the course that you have Lord, it is the course that you have Lord, it is the course that you have allowed into their life. allowed into their life. allowed into their life. And I just pray that they would put And I just pray that they would put And I just pray that they would put their eyes back on you, that future their eyes back on you, that future their eyes back on you, that future reward that one day a crown of reward that one day a crown of reward that one day a crown of righteousness will be ours. And Lord, righteousness will be ours. And Lord, righteousness will be ours. And Lord, we're going to take that reward and lay we're going to take that reward and lay we're going to take that reward and lay it right back at your feet. give my it right back at your feet. give my it right back at your feet. give my brother or sister strength today to brother or sister strength today to brother or sister strength today to endure. Lord, for the one who has endure. Lord, for the one who has endure. Lord, for the one who has failed, failed, failed, Lord, I pray that they would see that Lord, I pray that they would see that Lord, I pray that they would see that their failure is not final. their failure is not final. their failure is not final. And I pray that they would hear even in And I pray that they would hear even in And I pray that they would hear even in this prayer your grace. this prayer your grace. this prayer your grace. And Lord, they're not done. And so And Lord, they're not done. And so And Lord, they're not done. And so there's still time to finish well. there's still time to finish well. there's still time to finish well. So Lord, I pray for a spirit of So Lord, I pray for a spirit of So Lord, I pray for a spirit of repentance. repentance. repentance. I pray God wisdom that we would count I pray God wisdom that we would count I pray God wisdom that we would count our days, live for what matters most. our days, live for what matters most. our days, live for what matters most. Help us to finish this calling you've Help us to finish this calling you've Help us to finish this calling you've placed on our life in Jesus name. Amen.

placed on our life in Jesus name. Amen. placed on our life in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Would you help me thank Pastor Amen. Would you help me thank Pastor Amen. Would you help me thank Pastor Jared this morning? Church family, would you stand to your Church family, would you stand to your feet? We have an opportunity to respond feet? We have an opportunity to respond feet? We have an opportunity to respond this morning. this morning. this morning. If if what we just read from scripture, If if what we just read from scripture, If if what we just read from scripture, the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart this morning. Maybe you need someone to this morning. Maybe you need someone to this morning. Maybe you need someone to pray with as you declare your allegiance pray with as you declare your allegiance pray with as you declare your allegiance to Jesus this morning. We have a to Jesus this morning. We have a to Jesus this morning. We have a connection suite that's just outside connection suite that's just outside connection suite that's just outside these doors in the first floor. We'd these doors in the first floor. We'd these doors in the first floor. We'd love to talk to you, pray with you. It's love to talk to you, pray with you. It's love to talk to you, pray with you. It's all about following Jesus, our all about following Jesus, our all about following Jesus, our allegiance set on him. Let's sing this allegiance set on him. Let's sing this allegiance set on him. Let's sing this together as we remember him. The one who together as we remember him. The one who together as we remember him. The one who wears the victor's crown. We sing Victor's crown Victor's crown retreats retreats retreats at the at the at the name of Jesus name of Jesus name of Jesus King of rightous King of rightous King of rightous bow and tongus on this church will on this church will Songs [music] of joy will rise again at Songs [music] of joy will rise again at Songs [music] of joy will rise again at the name of Jesus. [music] name of Jesus. [music] Christ will reign forever.

Christ will reign forever. Christ will reign forever. All the saints and angels roar at All the saints and angels roar at All the saints and angels roar at [music] the name of Jesus. name of Jesus. What a worthy name, What a worthy name, What a worthy name, Jesus, son of God. Jesus, son of God. Jesus, son of God. Higher than Higher than Higher than you deserve the praise. What a worthy you deserve the praise. What a worthy you deserve the praise. What a worthy name. name. name. Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, Jesus, son of God, high and [music] lifted up. high and [music] lifted up. high and [music] lifted up. You deserve the You deserve the You deserve the >> Amen. Church family, we love you so >> Amen. Church family, we love you so >> Amen. Church family, we love you so much. You are dismissed today.