Pastor Jack Graham | Man In The Arena | Prestonwood Baptist Church

Today, I'm going to ask you, men and Today, I'm going to ask you, men and women, to step into the arena with me. women, to step into the arena with me. women, to step into the arena with me. Title of this message is Man in the Title of this message is Man in the Title of this message is Man in the Arena. Arena. Arena. So, I want you to take your Bible, God's So, I want you to take your Bible, God's So, I want you to take your Bible, God's word. I always word. I always word. I always give thanks for the privilege of doing give thanks for the privilege of doing give thanks for the privilege of doing this. Even saying those words, take your this. Even saying those words, take your this. Even saying those words, take your Bibles, open them Bibles, open them Bibles, open them in the word of God to Hebrews chapter in the word of God to Hebrews chapter in the word of God to Hebrews chapter 12, 12, 12, 12th chapter of Hebrews, 12th chapter of Hebrews, 12th chapter of Hebrews, and get ready for the word of God. and get ready for the word of God. and get ready for the word of God. You know, when I You know, when I You know, when I was working with the architects and we was working with the architects and we was working with the architects and we were designing this room were designing this room were designing this room and this great church facility, and this great church facility, and this great church facility, one of the things I said to those who one of the things I said to those who one of the things I said to those who designed this building, this room, I designed this building, this room, I designed this building, this room, I said, "Make the worship center said, "Make the worship center said, "Make the worship center look like an arena." look like an arena." look like an arena." Yes, a place of worship Yes, a place of worship Yes, a place of worship and reverence and honor to God, but and reverence and honor to God, but and reverence and honor to God, but design it so that the people of God will design it so that the people of God will design it so that the people of God will always remember that we are in the always remember that we are in the always remember that we are in the arena. arena. arena. And that is the arena And that is the arena And that is the arena of faith.

of faith. of faith. And let me just say to all of you, let And let me just say to all of you, let And let me just say to all of you, let me respectfully ask you, it's just it's me respectfully ask you, it's just it's me respectfully ask you, it's just it's come to my attention that we've had some come to my attention that we've had some come to my attention that we've had some people leaving during the sermon and people leaving during the sermon and people leaving during the sermon and it's disruptive, of course, when that it's disruptive, of course, when that it's disruptive, of course, when that happens. I understand that there are happens. I understand that there are happens. I understand that there are emergencies emergencies emergencies and urgencies, if you know what I mean. and urgencies, if you know what I mean. and urgencies, if you know what I mean. And but due to security and we have And but due to security and we have And but due to security and we have great security here at Prestonwood, if great security here at Prestonwood, if great security here at Prestonwood, if you leave you leave you leave the arena during the message, you're the arena during the message, you're the arena during the message, you're going to need going to need going to need to remain at the back of the worship to remain at the back of the worship to remain at the back of the worship center because people coming forward in center because people coming forward in center because people coming forward in and out during the message is disrupting and out during the message is disrupting and out during the message is disrupting and I know you understand that. So, just and I know you understand that. So, just and I know you understand that. So, just a little word that I needed to say to a little word that I needed to say to a little word that I needed to say to you because over time, we've just gotten you because over time, we've just gotten you because over time, we've just gotten a little loose with this, okay? Got it? a little loose with this, okay? Got it? a little loose with this, okay? Got it? Do we have a deal on that? Do we have a deal on that? Do we have a deal on that? So, stay with us and pray with us all So, stay with us and pray with us all So, stay with us and pray with us all the way through. the way through. the way through. And understand that this is a sacred And understand that this is a sacred And understand that this is a sacred time in the scriptures and in the word time in the scriptures and in the word time in the scriptures and in the word of God. This is not a It is not a movie of God. This is not a It is not a movie of God. This is not a It is not a movie theater where we go get popcorn and come theater where we go get popcorn and come theater where we go get popcorn and come back.

back. back. So, [snorts] thank you for So, [snorts] thank you for So, [snorts] thank you for hearing that and respectfully observing hearing that and respectfully observing hearing that and respectfully observing that. So, that. So, that. So, on this Father's Day, we remember on this Father's Day, we remember on this Father's Day, we remember the founding fathers. How could we not the founding fathers. How could we not the founding fathers. How could we not remember our forefathers? remember our forefathers? remember our forefathers? I believe that God almighty himself I believe that God almighty himself I believe that God almighty himself put the dream of liberty and freedom in put the dream of liberty and freedom in put the dream of liberty and freedom in the hearts of the men the hearts of the men the hearts of the men and women who founded this country. and women who founded this country. and women who founded this country. Our fathers and our forefathers. Our fathers and our forefathers. Our fathers and our forefathers. America is a miracle, a gift from God. America is a miracle, a gift from God. America is a miracle, a gift from God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> There's no question about that. >> There's no question about that. >> There's no question about that. And when you look at the lives of those And when you look at the lives of those And when you look at the lives of those founding fathers, founding fathers, founding fathers, Washington, Washington, Washington, Adams, Adams, Adams, Jefferson, Jefferson, Jefferson, Lincoln Madison, Lincoln Madison, Lincoln Madison, and Franklin. Good old Ben Franklin, who and Franklin. Good old Ben Franklin, who and Franklin. Good old Ben Franklin, who was the oldest signer at age 70 of the was the oldest signer at age 70 of the was the oldest signer at age 70 of the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence. Declaration of Independence. All of these founders, the creators of All of these founders, the creators of All of these founders, the creators of the Constitution. the Constitution. the Constitution. There were 56 signers from 13 colonies There were 56 signers from 13 colonies There were 56 signers from 13 colonies of the Constitution of the Constitution of the Constitution that gave birth that gave birth that gave birth to the revolution and to the birth of to the revolution and to the birth of to the revolution and to the birth of our beloved nation. our beloved nation. our beloved nation. And of those 56 signers of the And of those 56 signers of the And of those 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, they came Declaration of Independence, they came Declaration of Independence, they came from from from different colonies, of course, and all different colonies, of course, and all different colonies, of course, and all kinds of backgrounds, mostly educated kinds of backgrounds, mostly educated kinds of backgrounds, mostly educated men, but some uneducated formally. There men, but some uneducated formally. There men, but some uneducated formally. There were both politicians and and preachers were both politicians and and preachers were both politicians and and preachers among them. among them. among them. They were farmers and merchants and They were farmers and merchants and They were farmers and merchants and lawyers and judges and lawyers and judges and lawyers and judges and scientists and soldiers, scientists and soldiers, scientists and soldiers, but they were all patriots. but they were all patriots. but they were all patriots. And the closing line And the closing line And the closing line that we still remember today to the that we still remember today to the that we still remember today to the Declaration of Independence says this, Declaration of Independence says this, Declaration of Independence says this, as they as they as they signed their lives and sacred honor and signed their lives and sacred honor and signed their lives and sacred honor and duty and for the support of the duty and for the support of the duty and for the support of the Declaration Declaration Declaration with a firm reliance on the protection with a firm reliance on the protection with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, of divine providence, of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other we mutually pledge to each other we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

honor. honor. They literally, personally They literally, personally They literally, personally staked everything on the promise of staked everything on the promise of staked everything on the promise of freedom freedom freedom and the hope and the hope and the hope of America. of America. of America. And what we think about these 250 years And what we think about these 250 years And what we think about these 250 years later later later would be not only our forefathers, but would be not only our forefathers, but would be not only our forefathers, but all of our fathers who went before us to all of our fathers who went before us to all of our fathers who went before us to sustain this great country in times of sustain this great country in times of sustain this great country in times of peace and in times of war protecting peace and in times of war protecting peace and in times of war protecting and providing and providing and providing for this great nation. for this great nation. for this great nation. And among these great fathers, they were And among these great fathers, they were And among these great fathers, they were men of great principle men of great principle men of great principle and faith, and faith, and faith, gentlemen who knew their Bibles and gentlemen who knew their Bibles and gentlemen who knew their Bibles and practiced the Christian faith. practiced the Christian faith. practiced the Christian faith. Many who were born-again believers and Many who were born-again believers and Many who were born-again believers and acknowledged that Christ is the king. acknowledged that Christ is the king. acknowledged that Christ is the king. Not perfect men by far, Not perfect men by far, Not perfect men by far, but men that God used but men that God used but men that God used that were bold and courageous that were bold and courageous that were bold and courageous leaders leaders leaders who prayed and implored to the God of who prayed and implored to the God of who prayed and implored to the God of heaven to bless the fledgling heaven to bless the fledgling heaven to bless the fledgling country.

country. country. And thus And thus And thus they put their lives at risk, their they put their lives at risk, their they put their lives at risk, their families at risk, their property at families at risk, their property at families at risk, their property at risk, everything at risk. And it was a risk, everything at risk. And it was a risk, everything at risk. And it was a risk, this revolution risk, this revolution risk, this revolution of freedom. of freedom. of freedom. You know that the first signer at the You know that the first signer at the You know that the first signer at the top of the Declaration of Independence top of the Declaration of Independence top of the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock. was John Hancock. was John Hancock. And his bold signature, I think next And his bold signature, I think next And his bold signature, I think next service I'll get it up on the screen. service I'll get it up on the screen. service I'll get it up on the screen. Just the the bold signature of John Just the the bold signature of John Just the the bold signature of John Hancock. Hancock. Hancock. It was said that he signed it so boldly It was said that he signed it so boldly It was said that he signed it so boldly so that the King of England could see it so that the King of England could see it so that the King of England could see it without his spectacles. without his spectacles. without his spectacles. Whether that's true or not, we do know Whether that's true or not, we do know Whether that's true or not, we do know that he was the first president of the that he was the first president of the that he was the first president of the Continental Congress. Continental Congress. Continental Congress. And without a doubt, he wanted to know And without a doubt, he wanted to know And without a doubt, he wanted to know with that big signature, we say say even with that big signature, we say say even with that big signature, we say say even to this day, put your John Hancock on to this day, put your John Hancock on to this day, put your John Hancock on it. it. it. So, you sign something and you sign it So, you sign something and you sign it So, you sign something and you sign it boldly, boldly, boldly, you're putting your John Hancock on the you're putting your John Hancock on the you're putting your John Hancock on the document. And that's what this man did document. And that's what this man did document. And that's what this man did first at the top of the list of the rest first at the top of the list of the rest first at the top of the list of the rest of those 56 of those 56 of those 56 signers of the Declaration of signers of the Declaration of signers of the Declaration of Independence. So, Independence. So, Independence. So, I'm going to ask you today, I'm going to ask you today, I'm going to ask you today, men and women, to put your John Hancock men and women, to put your John Hancock men and women, to put your John Hancock on your bold, courageous faith as we on your bold, courageous faith as we on your bold, courageous faith as we step into the arena.

step into the arena. step into the arena. Hebrews 12:1-3 Hebrews 12:1-3 Hebrews 12:1-3 says this, "Therefore, since we are says this, "Therefore, since we are says this, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of surrounded by so great a cloud of surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, witnesses, witnesses, those witnesses those witnesses those witnesses showed up in the Hall of Faith in showed up in the Hall of Faith in showed up in the Hall of Faith in chapter 11 of Hebrews, verses 1-3 really chapter 11 of Hebrews, verses 1-3 really chapter 11 of Hebrews, verses 1-3 really should be just a continuation of the should be just a continuation of the should be just a continuation of the 11th chapter of Hebrews. Since therefore 11th chapter of Hebrews. Since therefore 11th chapter of Hebrews. Since therefore we are surrounded by such a great cloud we are surrounded by such a great cloud we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, these men and women of of witnesses, these men and women of of witnesses, these men and women of faith, let us also let us also lay aside faith, let us also let us also lay aside faith, let us also let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so every weight and sin which clings so every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance closely, and let us run with endurance closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." the race that is set before us." the race that is set before us." How so? How so? How so? Looking to Jesus, the founder and Looking to Jesus, the founder and Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. perfecter of our faith. perfecter of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before him Who for the joy that was set before him Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame endured the cross despising the shame endured the cross despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the and is seated at the right hand of the and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him, yes. throne of God. Consider him, yes. throne of God. Consider him, yes. Consider Christ Consider Christ Consider Christ who endured from sinners such hostility who endured from sinners such hostility who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow against himself so that you may not grow against himself so that you may not grow weary weary weary or faint-hearted.

We often say man up. We often say man up. Well, I'm going to say man in. Well, I'm going to say man in. Well, I'm going to say man in. Man in Man in Man in the arena. the arena. the arena. We should never forget those We should never forget those We should never forget those revolutionaries of the past, but God revolutionaries of the past, but God revolutionaries of the past, but God wants to bring a brand new spiritual wants to bring a brand new spiritual wants to bring a brand new spiritual revolution to America in these days. revolution to America in these days. revolution to America in these days. And it happens And it happens And it happens when we are in when we are in when we are in the arena. Fast forward to the 26th president of Fast forward to the 26th president of the United States. the United States. the United States. The Rough Rider himself. The Rough Rider himself. The Rough Rider himself. Theodore Theodore Theodore Roosevelt Roosevelt Roosevelt who penned the words man in the arena. who penned the words man in the arena. who penned the words man in the arena. I've actually sat at the desk in the I've actually sat at the desk in the I've actually sat at the desk in the Executive Office Building of the White Executive Office Building of the White Executive Office Building of the White House compound House compound House compound where Roosevelt where Roosevelt where Roosevelt penned these words. penned these words. penned these words. It's not the critic who counts. It's not the critic who counts. It's not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the Not the man who points out how the Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doers strong man stumbles or where the doers strong man stumbles or where the doers of deeds could have done them better.

of deeds could have done them better. of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who's The credit belongs to the man who's The credit belongs to the man who's actually in the arena. actually in the arena. actually in the arena. Whose face is marred by dust and sweat Whose face is marred by dust and sweat Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who and blood, who strives valiantly, who and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes up short again and again errs, who comes up short again and again errs, who comes up short again and again because there is no effort without error because there is no effort without error because there is no effort without error and shortcoming, but and shortcoming, but and shortcoming, but who does actually strive to do the who does actually strive to do the who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows the great enthusiasms, deeds, who knows the great enthusiasms, deeds, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who depends himself the great devotions, who depends himself the great devotions, who depends himself upon a worthy cause, who at the best upon a worthy cause, who at the best upon a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high knows in the end the triumph of high knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he achievement, and who at the worst, if he achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, fails, fails, at least fails while daring greatly. at least fails while daring greatly. at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with So that his place shall never be with So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls those cold and timid souls those cold and timid souls who know neither who know neither who know neither victory victory victory or defeat. or defeat. or defeat. Man Man Man in the arena. in the arena. in the arena. The kind of men that we need today. that we need today. Bold and brave-hearted Bold and brave-hearted Bold and brave-hearted men.

men. men. Courageous men. Courageous men. Courageous men. Men are who are heroes Men are who are heroes Men are who are heroes to their wives and children to their wives and children to their wives and children and grandchildren. and grandchildren. and grandchildren. Men who are hard-working Men who are hard-working Men who are hard-working and humble and humble and humble and honest and honest and honest and honorable. and honorable. and honorable. Men who are righteous men. Men who are righteous men. Men who are righteous men. Meaning to live right before God and his Meaning to live right before God and his Meaning to live right before God and his word. word. word. Righteous men, rigorous Righteous men, rigorous Righteous men, rigorous men. men. men. Real Real Real men, red-blooded, responsible men. men, red-blooded, responsible men. men, red-blooded, responsible men. Men who are Men who are Men who are kind and tender-hearted. kind and tender-hearted. kind and tender-hearted. Compassionate and loving. Compassionate and loving. Compassionate and loving. Thoughtful Thoughtful Thoughtful and wise. and wise. and wise. Men who know and love God's word, who Men who know and love God's word, who Men who know and love God's word, who read their Bibles read their Bibles read their Bibles and know God's truth. and know God's truth. and know God's truth. Men who have a worldview that is Men who have a worldview that is Men who have a worldview that is biblical and Christ-centered.

biblical and Christ-centered. biblical and Christ-centered. Men who are strong and vibrant. Men who are strong and vibrant. Men who are strong and vibrant. Paul described these kinds of men in Paul described these kinds of men in Paul described these kinds of men in 1 Corinthians 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:13 and 14, he says to men in every and 14, he says to men in every and 14, he says to men in every generation, "Be watchful. generation, "Be watchful. generation, "Be watchful. Stand firm in the faith. Stand firm in the faith. Stand firm in the faith. Act like men. Act like men. Act like men. Be strong. Be strong. Be strong. Let all that you do Let all that you do Let all that you do be done in love." David, when he was dying, David, when he was dying, at the end of his road as the king of at the end of his road as the king of at the end of his road as the king of Israel, Israel, Israel, is passing is passing is passing the baton to his son, Solomon. the baton to his son, Solomon. the baton to his son, Solomon. And in 1 Kings chapter 2, verse 2, what And in 1 Kings chapter 2, verse 2, what And in 1 Kings chapter 2, verse 2, what did he say to Solomon, his son? He said, did he say to Solomon, his son? He said, did he say to Solomon, his son? He said, "I am about to go the way of all the "I am about to go the way of all the "I am about to go the way of all the earth. earth. earth. Be strong Be strong Be strong and show yourself a man. and show yourself a man. and show yourself a man. Prove yourself Prove yourself Prove yourself to be a man."

to be a man." to be a man." And what David said to Solomon, God says And what David said to Solomon, God says And what David said to Solomon, God says to us, because God is looking for to us, because God is looking for to us, because God is looking for men like this. men like this. men like this. In fact, in 2 Chronicles 16:9, In fact, in 2 Chronicles 16:9, In fact, in 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give throughout the whole earth to give throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is strong support to those whose heart is strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards him. blameless towards him. blameless towards him. You have done foolishly in this, for You have done foolishly in this, for You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars." from now on you will have wars." from now on you will have wars." The eyes of the Lord are searching for The eyes of the Lord are searching for The eyes of the Lord are searching for men who are strong men who are strong men who are strong and whose heart belongs and whose heart belongs and whose heart belongs to him. to him. to him. So, show yourself a man. So, show yourself a man. So, show yourself a man. Act like a man. Act like a man. Act like a man. Now, Now, Now, the leftist the leftist the leftist progressive ideologues of our nation and progressive ideologues of our nation and progressive ideologues of our nation and of the world of the world of the world have sought to emasculate males. The enemy wants to strip us of our The enemy wants to strip us of our manhood. manhood. manhood. And we don't have to wonder who the And we don't have to wonder who the And we don't have to wonder who the enemy is.

enemy is. enemy is. The leftist ideologues, the progressives The leftist ideologues, the progressives The leftist ideologues, the progressives who deny God's word and deny God's who deny God's word and deny God's who deny God's word and deny God's truth. truth. truth. Men Men Men who are weak men themselves, even in who are weak men themselves, even in who are weak men themselves, even in pulpits. pulpits. pulpits. Someone described the modern pulpit as Someone described the modern pulpit as Someone described the modern pulpit as mild-mannered men telling people to be mild-mannered men telling people to be mild-mannered men telling people to be more mild-mannered. Their softness and weakness among men Their softness and weakness among men today and it comes from the enemy. And today and it comes from the enemy. And today and it comes from the enemy. And the crisis of manhood and in manhood the crisis of manhood and in manhood the crisis of manhood and in manhood today is a crisis of truth. today is a crisis of truth. today is a crisis of truth. It is a truth crisis. It is a truth crisis. It is a truth crisis. And that crisis has to do with what we And that crisis has to do with what we And that crisis has to do with what we believe about the Bible. And I am here believe about the Bible. And I am here believe about the Bible. And I am here to remind you today, in case you didn't to remind you today, in case you didn't to remind you today, in case you didn't know, know, know, that the godless crowd, that the godless crowd, that the godless crowd, the vicious, godless progressive will the vicious, godless progressive will the vicious, godless progressive will stop at nothing at destroying the stop at nothing at destroying the stop at nothing at destroying the family, starting with the fathers.

They will stop at nothing advocating They will stop at nothing advocating for their godless way for their godless way for their godless way of life. of life. of life. And so, men, And so, men, And so, men, without apology, without apology, without apology, we stand on the word of God and the we stand on the word of God and the we stand on the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. testimony of Jesus. testimony of Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And what is the testimony of Jesus >> And what is the testimony of Jesus >> And what is the testimony of Jesus regarding manhood? Well, regarding manhood? Well, regarding manhood? Well, Jesus is a man. Jesus is a man. Jesus is a man. Oh, yes, Jesus is God, God the Son and Oh, yes, Jesus is God, God the Son and Oh, yes, Jesus is God, God the Son and the Son of God, the Son of the Father. the Son of God, the Son of the Father. the Son of God, the Son of the Father. He is God, but he is He is God, but he is He is God, but he is man. man. man. And oh, what a man And oh, what a man And oh, what a man Jesus was. Jesus was. Jesus was. In his humanity, In his humanity, In his humanity, he was fully man and fully God. he was fully man and fully God. he was fully man and fully God. So, Jesus, when you think about him, So, Jesus, when you think about him, So, Jesus, when you think about him, don't think about a pale, sanctimonious don't think about a pale, sanctimonious don't think about a pale, sanctimonious recluse, recluse, recluse, but think about but think about but think about a masculine man. He grew up a masculine man. He grew up a masculine man. He grew up in a carpenter shop, in a carpenter's in a carpenter shop, in a carpenter's in a carpenter shop, in a carpenter's home. He practiced the trade himself.

home. He practiced the trade himself. home. He practiced the trade himself. In effect, he was a construction worker In effect, he was a construction worker In effect, he was a construction worker growing up before he presented himself growing up before he presented himself growing up before he presented himself as the Messiah. And then, as the Messiah. And then, as the Messiah. And then, he endured 40 days and nights in the he endured 40 days and nights in the he endured 40 days and nights in the desert going cage fight with the devil desert going cage fight with the devil desert going cage fight with the devil himself, himself, himself, facing temptations, all the temptations facing temptations, all the temptations facing temptations, all the temptations of humankind, of mankind, and he won of humankind, of mankind, and he won of humankind, of mankind, and he won victoriously over that. victoriously over that. victoriously over that. Jesus wasn't Jesus wasn't Jesus wasn't a sickly weakling. a sickly weakling. a sickly weakling. He wasn't sitting around drinking, I He wasn't sitting around drinking, I He wasn't sitting around drinking, I don't know, lavender lattes. No, I'm thinking he probably loved No, I'm thinking he probably loved doughnuts. But no, he But no, he he flipped tables he bore the cross, he bore the cross, the weighty cross and the weight of the the weighty cross and the weight of the the weighty cross and the weight of the world.

Maybe you've heard real men don't cry. Maybe you've heard real men don't cry. Well, Jesus cried. Well, Jesus cried. Well, Jesus cried. He wept at the tomb of his beloved He wept at the tomb of his beloved He wept at the tomb of his beloved friend Lazarus friend Lazarus friend Lazarus and with and with and with Lazarus' sisters, his friends. He wept Lazarus' sisters, his friends. He wept Lazarus' sisters, his friends. He wept there. He wept overlooking the city of there. He wept overlooking the city of there. He wept overlooking the city of Jerusalem. Old Jerusalem, how would I Jerusalem. Old Jerusalem, how would I Jerusalem. Old Jerusalem, how would I gather you to myself like a hen does gather you to myself like a hen does gather you to myself like a hen does brood, but you would not. He he poured brood, but you would not. He he poured brood, but you would not. He he poured out tears overlooking the city of of out tears overlooking the city of of out tears overlooking the city of of Jerusalem before he presented himself as Jerusalem before he presented himself as Jerusalem before he presented himself as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. the sacrifice for the sins of the world. the sacrifice for the sins of the world. He sweat drops of blood and tears in the He sweat drops of blood and tears in the He sweat drops of blood and tears in the garden as he surrendered his life to do garden as he surrendered his life to do garden as he surrendered his life to do the will of God. Jesus was tough on sin. the will of God. Jesus was tough on sin. the will of God. Jesus was tough on sin. He was hard on hypocrisy in particular, He was hard on hypocrisy in particular, He was hard on hypocrisy in particular, but he confronted sin but he confronted sin but he confronted sin and he challenged sinners to repent and and he challenged sinners to repent and and he challenged sinners to repent and to be born again, especially religious to be born again, especially religious to be born again, especially religious sinners and self-righteous sinners. sinners and self-righteous sinners. sinners and self-righteous sinners. So, Jesus So, Jesus So, Jesus was not weak. He was both tough and was not weak. He was both tough and was not weak. He was both tough and tender. And oh, how joyful he was as tender. And oh, how joyful he was as tender. And oh, how joyful he was as well. Little children loved him. You can well. Little children loved him. You can well. Little children loved him. You can tell a good man because little children tell a good man because little children tell a good man because little children love a good man love a good man love a good man and a godly man. And and little children and a godly man. And and little children and a godly man. And and little children loved him and swarmed around him. He was loved him and swarmed around him. He was loved him and swarmed around him. He was He was joyful and and and and beloved by He was joyful and and and and beloved by He was joyful and and and and beloved by by those who who met him, but he did by those who who met him, but he did by those who who met him, but he did this as a strong and spiritual and this as a strong and spiritual and this as a strong and spiritual and powerful man.

powerful man. powerful man. So, when we talk about being a man, So, when we talk about being a man, So, when we talk about being a man, not a toxic man, not a toxic man, not a toxic man, but a true man, but a true man, but a true man, a triumphant man, a triumphant man, a triumphant man, a Christ- a Christ- a Christ- centered centered centered man. man. man. A man under authority. A man under authority. A man under authority. You know, a man who is under the You know, a man who is under the You know, a man who is under the authority of God is given over the authority of God is given over the authority of God is given over the authorities authorities authorities of others of others of others and given strength and authority. That's and given strength and authority. That's and given strength and authority. That's the greatest kind of power and strength the greatest kind of power and strength the greatest kind of power and strength is the authority that God gives. So, is the authority that God gives. So, is the authority that God gives. So, when we talk about strong men, when we talk about strong men, when we talk about strong men, it's not necessarily physically strong. it's not necessarily physically strong. it's not necessarily physically strong. Because some of the strongest men I have Because some of the strongest men I have Because some of the strongest men I have known known known were not necessarily physically strong, were not necessarily physically strong, were not necessarily physically strong, but morally strong. but morally strong. but morally strong. Spiritually strong. Spiritually strong. Spiritually strong. Men of character and conviction. Men of character and conviction. Men of character and conviction. Men of faith and men of prayer. Men of faith and men of prayer. Men of faith and men of prayer. Men in the arena. Men in the arena. Men in the arena. Because God has not called us to be Because God has not called us to be Because God has not called us to be spectators, but on the field of play and spectators, but on the field of play and spectators, but on the field of play and giving our all.

giving our all. giving our all. And to do it with a muscular faith, a And to do it with a muscular faith, a And to do it with a muscular faith, a strong faith, to strive for the prize. strong faith, to strive for the prize. strong faith, to strive for the prize. To grow from strength to strength. To grow from strength to strength. To grow from strength to strength. From grace to grit. From grace to grit. From grace to grit. Men who don't break under pressure. Men who don't break under pressure. Men who don't break under pressure. But men who stand regardless of the But men who stand regardless of the But men who stand regardless of the consequences. consequences. consequences. Men like Men like Men like so many of the founders so many of the founders so many of the founders and the fathers of our country and the fathers of our country and the fathers of our country who created the Constitution who created the Constitution who created the Constitution and raised up a generation who changed and raised up a generation who changed and raised up a generation who changed the world. the world. the world. I'm driving home the point I'm driving home the point I'm driving home the point to all the gentlemen in this room and to all the gentlemen in this room and to all the gentlemen in this room and watching online. watching online. watching online. That while the world may tell you while That while the world may tell you while That while the world may tell you while the feminist movement may say to you the feminist movement may say to you the feminist movement may say to you while the liberal left while the liberal left while the liberal left may shout at you, you don't matter. may shout at you, you don't matter. may shout at you, you don't matter. I'm here to remind you according to I'm here to remind you according to I'm here to remind you according to God's word that men matter. God's word that men matter. God's word that men matter. And essential fatherhood and manhood is And essential fatherhood and manhood is And essential fatherhood and manhood is needed in our generation.

God is looking for men God is looking for men like this. like this. like this. Like the men in the arena Like the men in the arena Like the men in the arena that the scripture talks about in that the scripture talks about in that the scripture talks about in Hebrews 12. Now, one of the reasons that I believe Now, one of the reasons that I believe the Apostle Paul the Apostle Paul the Apostle Paul is the writer of Hebrews, though it's is the writer of Hebrews, though it's is the writer of Hebrews, though it's debatable as to who the human author debatable as to who the human author debatable as to who the human author uh of Hebrews was. But I believe it was uh of Hebrews was. But I believe it was uh of Hebrews was. But I believe it was Paul and one of the reasons is because Paul and one of the reasons is because Paul and one of the reasons is because this this this allegory or allusion metaphor of the allegory or allusion metaphor of the allegory or allusion metaphor of the athletic arena. It was the Apostle Paul athletic arena. It was the Apostle Paul athletic arena. It was the Apostle Paul who often spoke of a race and fighting who often spoke of a race and fighting who often spoke of a race and fighting the good fight of faith and finishing uh the good fight of faith and finishing uh the good fight of faith and finishing uh the course and and it was the Apostle the course and and it was the Apostle the course and and it was the Apostle Paul who said, I I beat my body. I Paul who said, I I beat my body. I Paul who said, I I beat my body. I discipline my body in order that discipline my body in order that discipline my body in order that I may fight this fight and win this I may fight this fight and win this I may fight this fight and win this race. It was the Apostle Paul who said race. It was the Apostle Paul who said race. It was the Apostle Paul who said run run run not just to get the participant trophy, not just to get the participant trophy, not just to get the participant trophy, but run but run but run to win. The Apostle to win. The Apostle to win. The Apostle clearly loved the sports arena clearly loved the sports arena clearly loved the sports arena and mentioned it often including the and mentioned it often including the and mentioned it often including the Bema seat where the judgement of the Bema seat where the judgement of the Bema seat where the judgement of the contestants took place and he applied contestants took place and he applied contestants took place and he applied that to the coming judgement seat of that to the coming judgement seat of that to the coming judgement seat of Christ where we will all be evaluated Christ where we will all be evaluated Christ where we will all be evaluated and examined according to our lives.

and examined according to our lives. and examined according to our lives. Don't waste your life. Your life is Don't waste your life. Your life is Don't waste your life. Your life is going to be evaluated going to be evaluated going to be evaluated in the presence of Christ at the Bema in the presence of Christ at the Bema in the presence of Christ at the Bema seat. So, all of this together seat. So, all of this together seat. So, all of this together about this fantastic race that we're on about this fantastic race that we're on about this fantastic race that we're on that we are in it to win it. that we are in it to win it. that we are in it to win it. We're in it We're in it We're in it to fight the good fight, to run with to fight the good fight, to run with to fight the good fight, to run with endurance. endurance. endurance. So, here is the event. It is a a race. So, here is the event. It is a a race. So, here is the event. It is a a race. We're We're We're encompassed about with many witnesses encompassed about with many witnesses encompassed about with many witnesses before us. before us. before us. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Christians who before us >> Christians who before us >> Christians who before us have run and finished the course. have run and finished the course. have run and finished the course. And if you are a Christian And if you are a Christian And if you are a Christian you now have the baton. Now you now have the baton. Now you now have the baton. Now you get into the race. How do you get in you get into the race. How do you get in you get into the race. How do you get in the race? the race? the race? Grace puts you in the race. Grace puts you in the race. Grace puts you in the race. What Christ has done for you on the What Christ has done for you on the What Christ has done for you on the cross to die for your sins, to rise cross to die for your sins, to rise cross to die for your sins, to rise again, and to put your faith and trust again, and to put your faith and trust again, and to put your faith and trust in him. We are not saved by works but in him. We are not saved by works but in him. We are not saved by works but our good deeds but by the grace of God.

our good deeds but by the grace of God. our good deeds but by the grace of God. So, grace puts you in the race. But now So, grace puts you in the race. But now So, grace puts you in the race. But now that you're in the race because of his that you're in the race because of his that you're in the race because of his grace grace grace run with all you have and run with run with all you have and run with run with all you have and run with endurance. The race that the scripture endurance. The race that the scripture endurance. The race that the scripture describes here is is is not a it's not a describes here is is is not a it's not a describes here is is is not a it's not a sprint. It's It's It's not a slow jog. sprint. It's It's It's not a slow jog. sprint. It's It's It's not a slow jog. It is an enduring. In fact, the word It is an enduring. In fact, the word It is an enduring. In fact, the word here, agonai, it means an agonizing here, agonai, it means an agonizing here, agonai, it means an agonizing race. race. race. A race that demands discipline. And if A race that demands discipline. And if A race that demands discipline. And if you're truly a a runner, you know the you're truly a a runner, you know the you're truly a a runner, you know the strenuous and continuous endurance that strenuous and continuous endurance that strenuous and continuous endurance that is required to be a great athlete on the is required to be a great athlete on the is required to be a great athlete on the field. So, not a sprint, not a short field. So, not a sprint, not a short field. So, not a sprint, not a short burst. burst. burst. Not a slow path to heaven. Not a slow path to heaven. Not a slow path to heaven. But with faith to pursue victory. But with faith to pursue victory. But with faith to pursue victory. To pursue the reward. To pursue the reward. To pursue the reward. It's all about faith. It's all about faith. It's all about faith. It's all about enduring faith.

It's all about enduring faith. It's all about enduring faith. Faith that won't quit. Faith that won't quit. Faith that won't quit. Ever. Ever. Ever. Did you know Did you know Did you know that George Washington, that George Washington, that George Washington, the commander, the general of the the commander, the general of the the commander, the general of the Continental Army, Continental Army, Continental Army, who went up against the British, who went up against the British, who went up against the British, that he lost 2/3 of the battles that he that he lost 2/3 of the battles that he that he lost 2/3 of the battles that he fought against the British? 2/3. 2/3. He was undermanned and under-resourced, He was undermanned and under-resourced, He was undermanned and under-resourced, facing incredible obstacles with that facing incredible obstacles with that facing incredible obstacles with that in many cases, courageous but ragtag in many cases, courageous but ragtag in many cases, courageous but ragtag army of farmers and preachers and and army of farmers and preachers and and army of farmers and preachers and and and and common commoners in that era who and and common commoners in that era who and and common commoners in that era who made up the revolutionary army. And yet, made up the revolutionary army. And yet, made up the revolutionary army. And yet, though he lost again and again, he never though he lost again and again, he never though he lost again and again, he never quit. He retreated and redirected, and quit. He retreated and redirected, and quit. He retreated and redirected, and ultimately, Washington led the ultimately, Washington led the ultimately, Washington led the revolutionary army to victory over the revolutionary army to victory over the revolutionary army to victory over the British and became British and became British and became the father of our country. the father of our country. the father of our country. The first president of the United The first president of the United The first president of the United States.

States. States. He never He never He never quit. And aren't you glad quit. And aren't you glad quit. And aren't you glad that he did not. that he did not. that he did not. So, around So, around So, around us are these witnesses, those who've us are these witnesses, those who've us are these witnesses, those who've gone before us in faith. gone before us in faith. gone before us in faith. Men of the Bible, women of the Bible Men of the Bible, women of the Bible Men of the Bible, women of the Bible who endured to the end, often who endured to the end, often who endured to the end, often a great personal crisis and sacrifice a great personal crisis and sacrifice a great personal crisis and sacrifice and and and adversity. Our fore Our fore fathers and mothers that lived and died fathers and mothers that lived and died fathers and mothers that lived and died in faith. in faith. in faith. And what they showed us And what they showed us And what they showed us that if you live by faith and die by that if you live by faith and die by that if you live by faith and die by faith, you're going to make it. faith, you're going to make it. faith, you're going to make it. You're going to make it. You're going to make it. You're going to make it. And if you are hearing this message And if you are hearing this message And if you are hearing this message today and today and today and you wonder if you can keep going, you wonder if you can keep going, you wonder if you can keep going, this is the word you needed to hear, not this is the word you needed to hear, not this is the word you needed to hear, not from me, but from God today. from me, but from God today. from me, but from God today. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Don't give up.

Don't give up. Don't give up. And if you're a dad and you're And if you're a dad and you're And if you're a dad and you're struggling and, you know, dads, we have struggling and, you know, dads, we have struggling and, you know, dads, we have high expectations of ourselves. high expectations of ourselves. high expectations of ourselves. And often we feel that we fail and are And often we feel that we fail and are And often we feel that we fail and are not the men that we should be. not the men that we should be. not the men that we should be. But don't give up. But don't give up. But don't give up. Keep going. Get up. Now, Keep going. Get up. Now, Keep going. Get up. Now, there are some encumbrances there are some encumbrances there are some encumbrances in this race. By encumbrances, I in this race. By encumbrances, I in this race. By encumbrances, I mean what the scripture says here mean what the scripture says here mean what the scripture says here when it says, "And lay aside the weights when it says, "And lay aside the weights when it says, "And lay aside the weights or the encumbrances and the sin that so or the encumbrances and the sin that so or the encumbrances and the sin that so easily entangles us." easily entangles us." easily entangles us." So, a couple of things. So, a couple of things. So, a couple of things. Look at these encumbrances here. Look at these encumbrances here. Look at these encumbrances here. Added weight. Added weight. Added weight. Now, this is a problem for us today Now, this is a problem for us today Now, this is a problem for us today because we are encumbered by excess. because we are encumbered by excess. because we are encumbered by excess. Things that slow us down. Things that slow us down. Things that slow us down. Not necessarily the things that are Not necessarily the things that are Not necessarily the things that are sinful, though encumbering things can sinful, though encumbering things can sinful, though encumbering things can turn into sinful things.

turn into sinful things. turn into sinful things. If we allow anything to obsess us or If we allow anything to obsess us or If we allow anything to obsess us or possess us. possess us. possess us. But just the excesses. But just the excesses. But just the excesses. Not necessarily sinful, but those things Not necessarily sinful, but those things Not necessarily sinful, but those things which are harmful which are harmful which are harmful as to our winning the race as to our winning the race as to our winning the race that keeps us from finishing well. that keeps us from finishing well. that keeps us from finishing well. Encumbrances. Encumbrances. Encumbrances. Weights. Weights. Weights. We need to lean out. Devon and I are talking a lot lately Devon and I are talking a lot lately about just the whole thing. Are you You about just the whole thing. Are you You about just the whole thing. Are you You familiar with the minimalist movement familiar with the minimalist movement familiar with the minimalist movement that's going on? that's going on? that's going on? It's a real movement. It's a real thing It's a real movement. It's a real thing It's a real movement. It's a real thing and I really believe it's a biblical and I really believe it's a biblical and I really believe it's a biblical thing. Because we Jesus talked so much to us Because we Jesus talked so much to us about not being consumed with about not being consumed with about not being consumed with covetousness and our possessions and our covetousness and our possessions and our covetousness and our possessions and our things. Things that in their own right things. Things that in their own right things. Things that in their own right are not necessarily evil or wrong or are not necessarily evil or wrong or are not necessarily evil or wrong or sinful, but things that become sinful, but things that become sinful, but things that become encumbrances. There's just so much stuff encumbrances. There's just so much stuff encumbrances. There's just so much stuff that keep us, for example, from being that keep us, for example, from being that keep us, for example, from being generous. We have so many things that generous. We have so many things that generous. We have so many things that that that keep us from from selling out that that keep us from from selling out that that keep us from from selling out all the way uh with our possessions. We all the way uh with our possessions. We all the way uh with our possessions. We have so many possessions which again have so many possessions which again have so many possessions which again becomes greed and covetousness that if becomes greed and covetousness that if becomes greed and covetousness that if we're not careful. So, we're not careful. So, we're not careful. So, we need to be we need to be we need to be clutter-free in terms of our race. You clutter-free in terms of our race. You clutter-free in terms of our race. You know, a runner will strip down to almost know, a runner will strip down to almost know, a runner will strip down to almost embarrassing proportions in order to cut embarrassing proportions in order to cut embarrassing proportions in order to cut the weight and to cut the wind and the the weight and to cut the wind and the the weight and to cut the wind and the resistance.

resistance. resistance. So, the challenge for every one of us So, the challenge for every one of us So, the challenge for every one of us men and women in this room today is not men and women in this room today is not men and women in this room today is not to be encumbered because encumbrances to be encumbered because encumbrances to be encumbered because encumbrances slow us down. Paul said, "All things are slow us down. Paul said, "All things are slow us down. Paul said, "All things are expedient." Or "All things are lawful to expedient." Or "All things are lawful to expedient." Or "All things are lawful to me, but not everything is expedient." me, but not everything is expedient." me, but not everything is expedient." Meaning, not everything is exponential. Meaning, not everything is exponential. Meaning, not everything is exponential. It doesn't get me down the road. It It doesn't get me down the road. It It doesn't get me down the road. It doesn't get me in the race and keep me doesn't get me in the race and keep me doesn't get me in the race and keep me in the race. in the race. in the race. So, that's why when you're going to run So, that's why when you're going to run So, that's why when you're going to run a race, you take off your warm-ups and a race, you take off your warm-ups and a race, you take off your warm-ups and and you lace up your shoes and you go. Now, I want to say if you have stumbled Now, I want to say if you have stumbled and in the race and in the race and in the race and you have failed in the race and and you have failed in the race and and you have failed in the race and fallen and you're down, fallen and you're down, fallen and you're down, what do you do? what do you do? what do you do? You get back up, guys. If we confess our sins, he is faithful If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to and just to forgive us our sins and to and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You don't just lay there and quit. don't just lay there and quit. don't just lay there and quit. Too many people depending on you. Your Too many people depending on you. Your Too many people depending on you. Your kids are looking to you. Your wives are kids are looking to you. Your wives are kids are looking to you. Your wives are expecting you to be better than that.

expecting you to be better than that. expecting you to be better than that. So, get up So, get up So, get up and get going, guys. And then he and get going, guys. And then he and get going, guys. And then he mentions the sin that doesn't just slow mentions the sin that doesn't just slow mentions the sin that doesn't just slow us, but stop us. The sin that so easily us, but stop us. The sin that so easily us, but stop us. The sin that so easily surrounds us. surrounds us. surrounds us. We all realize that we are surrounded by We all realize that we are surrounded by We all realize that we are surrounded by sin and temptation. sin and temptation. sin and temptation. Am I telling the truth? Am I telling the truth? Am I telling the truth? We are surrounded, guys, in our We are surrounded, guys, in our We are surrounded, guys, in our generation. We are surrounded by this generation. We are surrounded by this generation. We are surrounded by this stuff. stuff. stuff. And if we're not careful, And if we're not careful, And if we're not careful, if we don't keep our eyes focused on the if we don't keep our eyes focused on the if we don't keep our eyes focused on the prize prize prize and looking and considering the Lord and looking and considering the Lord and looking and considering the Lord Jesus Christ, we'll not just stumble, Jesus Christ, we'll not just stumble, Jesus Christ, we'll not just stumble, but we all we will fall and fail and sin but we all we will fall and fail and sin but we all we will fall and fail and sin can can consume us to the degree can can consume us to the degree can can consume us to the degree that it stops us dead in our tracks in that it stops us dead in our tracks in that it stops us dead in our tracks in the race the race the race and we become one of those statistics. and we become one of those statistics. and we become one of those statistics. So, the weights that slow us are things So, the weights that slow us are things So, the weights that slow us are things that are like distractions and busyness.

that are like distractions and busyness. that are like distractions and busyness. Let me just name a few. Let me just name a few. Let me just name a few. Media and entertainment. comfort, comfort, selfish care, selfish care, selfish care, sleep and laziness, relationships, sleep and laziness, relationships, sleep and laziness, relationships, just to mention a few. The entanglements just to mention a few. The entanglements just to mention a few. The entanglements The entanglements are sins The entanglements are sins The entanglements are sins like pride. That's the perpendicular like pride. That's the perpendicular like pride. That's the perpendicular pronoun. That's pronoun. That's pronoun. That's That's That's the sin that many men That's That's the sin that many men That's That's the sin that many men face. Lust, face. Lust, face. Lust, gossip, gossip, gossip, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, unforgiveness, selfishness, selfishness, selfishness, carnality, carnality, carnality, worldliness, worldliness, worldliness, unbelief, unbelief, unbelief, to name a few. So, men in the arena, So, men in the arena, all of us are in that arena.

Don't let the weights slow you down. Don't let the weights slow you down. Don't let anything keep you from being Don't let anything keep you from being Don't let anything keep you from being the person God made you to be. Don't let the sin that surrounds us Don't let the sin that surrounds us everywhere knock us out of the race. knock us out of the race. How do we do this? How do we do this? How do we do this? By looking to Jesus. By looking to Jesus. By looking to Jesus. The author and the finisher of our The author and the finisher of our The author and the finisher of our faith. faith. faith. The King James The King James The King James says the author and finisher of our says the author and finisher of our says the author and finisher of our faith. I like that. faith. I like that. faith. I like that. The thing I know what we read in ESV The thing I know what we read in ESV The thing I know what we read in ESV said the pioneer and perfecter of our said the pioneer and perfecter of our said the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. That's good as well. faith. That's good as well. faith. That's good as well. But the author God's writing your story. And your story is not complete until you And your story is not complete until you stand before the Lord. And we are stand before the Lord. And we are stand before the Lord. And we are running this race for a reward. running this race for a reward. running this race for a reward. We're running it for him and for his We're running it for him and for his We're running it for him and for his glory. Not into ourselves and for glory. Not into ourselves and for glory. Not into ourselves and for ourselves, but for his glory. ourselves, but for his glory. ourselves, but for his glory. So, So, So, look to Jesus. look to Jesus. look to Jesus. Don't look to your circumstances. Don't look to your circumstances. Don't look to your circumstances. Don't listen to the critics.

Don't listen to the critics. Don't listen to the critics. If I listened to critics, I'd have been If I listened to critics, I'd have been If I listened to critics, I'd have been long gone a long time ago. long gone a long time ago. long gone a long time ago. Don't listen to your critics. Don't listen to your critics. Don't listen to your critics. I mean, you can learn from your I mean, you can learn from your I mean, you can learn from your criticisms. criticisms. criticisms. They're valid, of course. They're valid, of course. They're valid, of course. So, humble ourselves in that. So, humble ourselves in that. So, humble ourselves in that. But, But, But, don't get your head in the stands. don't get your head in the stands. don't get your head in the stands. In baseball, we often talked about In baseball, we often talked about In baseball, we often talked about a guy being a rabbit ears. a guy being a rabbit ears. a guy being a rabbit ears. Especially those umpires. Especially those umpires. Especially those umpires. Yeah, if you get on the umpire, some Yeah, if you get on the umpire, some Yeah, if you get on the umpire, some umpires had rabbit ears, big ears, you umpires had rabbit ears, big ears, you umpires had rabbit ears, big ears, you know, who listened too much to what was know, who listened too much to what was know, who listened too much to what was going on. going on. going on. I could tell you stories about that. I could tell you stories about that. I could tell you stories about that. But, no rabbit ears. But, no rabbit ears. But, no rabbit ears. Keep your mind focused and your heart Keep your mind focused and your heart Keep your mind focused and your heart devoted to Christ. devoted to Christ. devoted to Christ. Consider him Consider him Consider him who endured the cross, despised the who endured the cross, despised the who endured the cross, despised the shame. Praise God, Jesus didn't quit. shame. Praise God, Jesus didn't quit. shame. Praise God, Jesus didn't quit. He went all the way to Calvary, all the He went all the way to Calvary, all the He went all the way to Calvary, all the way to the cross, and died in agony and way to the cross, and died in agony and way to the cross, and died in agony and blood for the joy that was set before blood for the joy that was set before blood for the joy that was set before him. He is the model man.

him. He is the model man. him. He is the model man. Be a godly man, a Christ-like Be a godly man, a Christ-like Be a godly man, a Christ-like man. man. man. So, let me close this message. So, let me close this message. So, let me close this message. I wish I had more time. I wish I had more time. I wish I had more time. No, we got another service. No, we got another service. No, we got another service. And you're the only one that said keep And you're the only one that said keep And you're the only one that said keep going. But, here is the message But, here is the message version of this, and version of this, and version of this, and we'll close with these words. So, the we'll close with these words. So, the we'll close with these words. So, the message, a paraphrase of the New message, a paraphrase of the New message, a paraphrase of the New Testament. Testament. Testament. Hebrews 12. Do you see what this means? Hebrews 12. Do you see what this means? Hebrews 12. Do you see what this means? All these pioneers who blazed the way, All these pioneers who blazed the way, All these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans, and thank God for all these veterans, and thank God for all these veterans, and thank God for our military veterans and those who our military veterans and those who our military veterans and those who served our country, all these veterans served our country, all these veterans served our country, all these veterans cheering us on, it means we'd better get cheering us on, it means we'd better get cheering us on, it means we'd better get on with it. on with it. on with it. Strip down, start running, and never Strip down, start running, and never Strip down, start running, and never quit. quit. quit. No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus who both began and finished the race we're in.

began and finished the race we're in. began and finished the race we're in. Study how he did it because he never Study how he did it because he never Study how he did it because he never lost sight of where he was headed, that lost sight of where he was headed, that lost sight of where he was headed, that exhilarating finish in and with God. He exhilarating finish in and with God. He exhilarating finish in and with God. He could put up with anything along the could put up with anything along the could put up with anything along the way, cross, shame, whatever, and now way, cross, shame, whatever, and now way, cross, shame, whatever, and now he's there. he's there. he's there. In the place of honor right alongside In the place of honor right alongside In the place of honor right alongside God. When you find yourself flagging in God. When you find yourself flagging in God. When you find yourself flagging in your faith, go over that story again, your faith, go over that story again, your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of item by item, that long litany of item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will hostility he plowed through. That will hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline in your soul. Every head bowed and every eye closed, Every head bowed and every eye closed, and we give this invitation now to and we give this invitation now to and we give this invitation now to invite you to get in the race if you're invite you to get in the race if you're invite you to get in the race if you're not there. not there. not there. If you don't have a personal If you don't have a personal If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, then today's relationship with Jesus, then today's relationship with Jesus, then today's the day. the day. the day. Don't be afraid, don't be ashamed. Don't be afraid, don't be ashamed. Don't be afraid, don't be ashamed. When we sing in just a couple of minutes When we sing in just a couple of minutes When we sing in just a couple of minutes to walk down this aisle, to walk down this aisle, to walk down this aisle, upstairs to turn around and go to the upstairs to turn around and go to the upstairs to turn around and go to the minister standing on minister standing on minister standing on uh the the landing there, and all across uh the the landing there, and all across uh the the landing there, and all across the front our pastors are going to be the front our pastors are going to be the front our pastors are going to be here. I'm going to ask you to boldly, here. I'm going to ask you to boldly, here. I'm going to ask you to boldly, brave-heartedly, brave-heartedly, brave-heartedly, to come down this aisle and publicly put to come down this aisle and publicly put to come down this aisle and publicly put your faith to follow Jesus Christ.

your faith to follow Jesus Christ. your faith to follow Jesus Christ. Remember it's grace that puts you in the Remember it's grace that puts you in the Remember it's grace that puts you in the race. race. race. You've tried to do this on your own, You've tried to do this on your own, You've tried to do this on your own, and you've struggled to do it because we and you've struggled to do it because we and you've struggled to do it because we can't, but he can. can't, but he can. can't, but he can. He did what we could not do. He did what we could not do. He did what we could not do. And that's for Christians, too. I didn't And that's for Christians, too. I didn't And that's for Christians, too. I didn't have time to develop it, but have time to develop it, but have time to develop it, but the Christ who is our example also lives the Christ who is our example also lives the Christ who is our example also lives in us and enables us to do these things in us and enables us to do these things in us and enables us to do these things that only he could enable us to do. that only he could enable us to do. that only he could enable us to do. So, you need Jesus in your life. So, you need Jesus in your life. So, you need Jesus in your life. So, come forward. If you are So, come forward. If you are So, come forward. If you are looking for a church home and you looking for a church home and you looking for a church home and you believe Prestonwood believe Prestonwood believe Prestonwood is is is your church to be your spiritual home your church to be your spiritual home your church to be your spiritual home and your family. Dads, I can't emphasize and your family. Dads, I can't emphasize and your family. Dads, I can't emphasize this too much. this too much. this too much. Lead your family to Christ and to Lead your family to Christ and to Lead your family to Christ and to church. church. church. Be the example. [music] Be the example. [music] Be the example. [music] Don't be one of those guys that, "Well, Don't be one of those guys that, "Well, Don't be one of those guys that, "Well, I'll let the little lady I'll let mom I'll let the little lady I'll let mom I'll let the little lady I'll let mom handle all the religious stuff." handle all the religious stuff." handle all the religious stuff." I got words for that that I can't say in I got words for that that I can't say in I got words for that that I can't say in church.

No, you lead the way. No, you lead the way. Step up and be a man, God's man in your Step up and be a man, God's man in your Step up and be a man, God's man in your family. family. family. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And lead your family to Christ and the >> And lead your family to Christ and the >> And lead your family to Christ and the church. So, start today. church. So, start today. church. So, start today. Get your wife by the hand and say, "Come Get your wife by the hand and say, "Come Get your wife by the hand and say, "Come on, let's go. Let's get our lives in on, let's go. Let's get our lives in on, let's go. Let's get our lives in this church. Let's follow Christ and this church. Let's follow Christ and this church. Let's follow Christ and obey Christ in the fellowship [music] of obey Christ in the fellowship [music] of obey Christ in the fellowship [music] of his church. Let's serve the Lord his church. Let's serve the Lord his church. Let's serve the Lord together." Get your kids around you and together." Get your kids around you and together." Get your kids around you and don't just bring them to church. Be with don't just bring them to church. Be with don't just bring them to church. Be with them in church. [music] them in church. [music] them in church. [music] And watch how God blesses your home And watch how God blesses your home And watch how God blesses your home and your family. So, Lord, we pray now and your family. So, Lord, we pray now and your family. So, Lord, we pray now during this time of decision that we during this time of decision that we during this time of decision that we would say with Joshua, "As for me and my would say with Joshua, "As for me and my would say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will say we will serve the house, we will say we will serve the house, we will say we will serve the Lord in Jesus' name. Amen and [music] Lord in Jesus' name. Amen and [music] Lord in Jesus' name. Amen and [music] amen." Who'll be the first to come? To amen." Who'll be the first to come? To amen." Who'll be the first to come? To step to the nearest aisle and make your step to the nearest aisle and make your step to the nearest aisle and make your way. Online, there's a number. 74788 way. Online, there's a number. 74788 way. Online, there's a number. 74788 text the word Jesus to 74788 [music] text the word Jesus to 74788 [music] text the word Jesus to 74788 [music] and we'll connect you to Christ and we'll connect you to Christ and we'll connect you to Christ and to this community of faith. >> Yes.

>> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God bless you as a family. >> God bless you as a family. >> God bless you as a family. Say let's serve the Lord together. Say let's serve the Lord together. Say let's serve the Lord together. >> [music] >> Upstairs. >> Upstairs. All across the arena. All across the arena. All across the arena. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Get on the field. Get in the arena >> Get on the field. Get in the arena >> Get on the field. Get in the arena today. >> Let's celebrate all these who have come >> Let's celebrate all these who have come forward this morning. And as as the Lord leads you, men and And as as the Lord leads you, men and women, families, you be the next to women, families, you be the next to women, families, you be the next to come. come. come. Just And if you have questions Just And if you have questions Just And if you have questions about what it means to be a Christ about what it means to be a Christ about what it means to be a Christ follower and a church member here at follower and a church member here at follower and a church member here at Prestonwood, go to guest central right Prestonwood, go to guest central right Prestonwood, go to guest central right now as this service is dismissed.

now as this service is dismissed. now as this service is dismissed. And uh And uh And uh we have a Bible we want to give you we have a Bible we want to give you we have a Bible we want to give you and encourage you to read that because and encourage you to read that because and encourage you to read that because faith comes by hearing and hearing by faith comes by hearing and hearing by faith comes by hearing and hearing by God's word. God's word. God's word. So these are There's study notes in So these are There's study notes in So these are There's study notes in this. We'd love for you to have it. this. We'd love for you to have it. this. We'd love for you to have it. Those of you online, 74788, text the Those of you online, 74788, text the Those of you online, 74788, text the word Jesus. Again, 7 4 7 8 8, text Jesus word Jesus. Again, 7 4 7 8 8, text Jesus word Jesus. Again, 7 4 7 8 8, text Jesus and we'll send you resources as you and we'll send you resources as you and we'll send you resources as you begin your journey in following Jesus. begin your journey in following Jesus. begin your journey in following Jesus. Great to see you today, church. It's a Great to see you today, church. It's a Great to see you today, church. It's a great group. great group. great group. And uh And uh And uh we leave here now as missionaries we leave here now as missionaries we leave here now as missionaries and servants of Christ. Uh be good to and servants of Christ. Uh be good to and servants of Christ. Uh be good to dad today. All right. Hug his neck dad today. All right. Hug his neck dad today. All right. Hug his neck and thank [music] him for being the man and thank [music] him for being the man and thank [music] him for being the man that he is, especially if you have a dad that he is, especially if you have a dad that he is, especially if you have a dad who loves and follows Jesus, who loves and follows Jesus, who loves and follows Jesus, give him a lot of attaboys today. Amen. give him a lot of attaboys today. Amen. give him a lot of attaboys today. Amen. All right, God bless you. See you next All right, God bless you. See you next All right, God bless you. See you next week for our big [music] celebration.