WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.860 I want you to keep the words, the message of that song in your mind 00:00:04.860 --> 00:00:07.980 because part of this message will touch on that. 00:00:08.679 --> 00:00:13.980 Thinking about, as Christians, heaven in a positive way, being a home. 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:19.940 Over the past several months, several of our church members have died. 00:00:21.140 --> 00:00:26.320 In fact, let's just say beginning about Thanksgiving until right now. 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:32.179 To the best of my memory, we've had more church family members to die 00:00:32.179 --> 00:00:38.579 than in any period like this, this two or three month period in the last 25 years. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:47.480 Two of the most common words that describe what family members are going through 00:00:47.480 --> 00:00:54.159 right after the death of a loved one are sadness and grief. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:58.339 It's just part of being a human being, isn't it? 00:00:59.299 --> 00:01:01.059 It's sad when your loved one dies. 00:01:02.599 --> 00:01:07.319 There's a certain amount of grief in just about every death. 00:01:08.479 --> 00:01:12.179 However, in each of the services that I've been a part of, the funeral services that is, 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:16.519 I've also seen Christians rejoicing, 00:01:17.519 --> 00:01:23.019 seen real joy in the family members of the person who died. 00:01:23.019 --> 00:01:24.099 Now, don't misunderstand. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:27.399 Funerals are not happy places, 00:01:27.979 --> 00:01:32.099 but I think it's great when a funeral service has laughter. 00:01:33.239 --> 00:01:35.859 I think it sort of eases some of the tension. 00:01:36.699 --> 00:01:37.979 It helps you to relax. 00:01:39.759 --> 00:01:44.359 There's some things in a funeral about the person who's died 00:01:44.359 --> 00:01:47.099 or a family member that you point out that's funny, 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:49.500 and it's like everybody wants to laugh. 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:55.299 They laugh harder during those times because it's like a stress relief. 00:01:56.759 --> 00:01:58.459 But funerals are not funny places. 00:01:58.959 --> 00:02:00.259 They're not happy places. 00:02:01.719 --> 00:02:08.099 But when Christians attend the funeral of a Christian loved one, 00:02:09.379 --> 00:02:11.939 there are at least two reasons to rejoice. 00:02:11.939 --> 00:02:20.079 Number one, that parent or grandparent, spouse or friend who was a Christian, 00:02:21.300 --> 00:02:24.579 you know that at that moment they're in heaven. 00:02:25.859 --> 00:02:28.340 Whenever they close their eyes in death to this world, 00:02:28.439 --> 00:02:30.879 they open them immediately in the presence of Jesus. 00:02:31.439 --> 00:02:34.879 And that's reason to rejoice, for that person at least. 00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:37.900 But there's another reason to rejoice. 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:42.099 If you're a Christian, they are, you know that one day, 00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:44.019 you're going to see them again. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:51.300 And in case like my parents whose bodies and minds were worn out, 00:02:52.240 --> 00:02:53.500 when I see them again, 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:56.460 they'll be in the best shape I've ever seen. 00:02:57.840 --> 00:02:59.560 No more than they've ever known. 00:03:01.159 --> 00:03:03.599 That's the reason to rejoice, isn't it? 00:03:03.599 --> 00:03:07.079 The idea of rejoicing at a funeral, 00:03:07.579 --> 00:03:10.799 it really helps us to understand that there's a difference between 00:03:10.799 --> 00:03:15.379 the word happiness, like we use it, 00:03:16.159 --> 00:03:17.219 and Christian joy. 00:03:18.819 --> 00:03:20.699 I've pointed it out the last two weeks. 00:03:20.819 --> 00:03:22.819 Happiness is an emotion of delight. 00:03:23.879 --> 00:03:26.459 It's really dependent on what's happening around about us, 00:03:26.560 --> 00:03:27.919 if life's going our way or not. 00:03:28.579 --> 00:03:31.159 But Christian joy is more of an attitude, 00:03:31.680 --> 00:03:33.319 more of even a character quality. 00:03:33.319 --> 00:03:34.560 It's part of the fruit of the Spirit. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:38.599 The Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit lives within us 00:03:38.599 --> 00:03:41.340 and enables us to experience this kind of joy 00:03:41.340 --> 00:03:43.819 that is not dependent on our circumstances. 00:03:45.139 --> 00:03:48.879 It's a joy that has a lot in common with peace within our soul 00:03:48.879 --> 00:03:53.319 that we experience when we know we're not just right with God, 00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:55.400 but that we're close to Him. 00:03:55.400 --> 00:04:05.639 Now, that explains how Paul could make joy one of the themes of his letter to the Philippian Christians. 00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:12.199 Even as he wrote from the hardship of being in prison, 00:04:13.219 --> 00:04:15.840 awaiting on a trial that could end in his death. 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:22.420 I want you to turn, if you would, back one more time to Philippians 1, verses 18-26. 00:04:25.340 --> 00:04:31.840 Philippians 1, verses 12-18, he talks about some reasons why he rejoiced. 00:04:33.220 --> 00:04:34.660 The gospel was being preached, 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:37.639 some of them sometimes not by good motives, 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:40.839 but nonetheless, people were hearing about the Lord, 00:04:41.159 --> 00:04:42.759 lives were being changed, he was happy. 00:04:43.419 --> 00:04:44.800 And he rejoiced. 00:04:44.979 --> 00:04:47.800 He was both happy and he rejoiced. 00:04:48.740 --> 00:04:52.639 Well, now we're looking at some other reasons why he rejoices. 00:04:52.740 --> 00:04:54.360 We're looking in the middle of verse 18. 00:04:54.939 --> 00:04:57.959 If you've got a Bible translation that is in paragraphs, 00:04:57.959 --> 00:05:01.739 most likely the new paragraph begins in the middle of verse 18. 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:04.519 Yes, and I will rejoice, 00:05:05.299 --> 00:05:09.159 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:11.599 this will turn out for my deliverance, 00:05:11.819 --> 00:05:17.519 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, 00:05:18.459 --> 00:05:21.479 but that with full courage, now as always, 00:05:21.979 --> 00:05:24.299 Christ will be honored in my body, 00:05:24.300 --> 00:05:26.460 whether by life or by death. 00:05:27.660 --> 00:05:32.439 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:37.600 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:40.280 yet which I shall choose, I cannot tell. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:42.939 I am hard-pressed between the two. 00:05:43.220 --> 00:05:46.360 My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:51.080 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:56.079 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all 00:05:56.079 --> 00:05:59.740 for your progress and joy in the faith, 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:04.579 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus 00:06:04.579 --> 00:06:07.620 because of my coming to you again. 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:16.620 I want us to look at three reasons why Paul had joy even as a prisoner. 00:06:16.620 --> 00:06:21.300 Let's think about it by asking ourselves three questions. 00:06:21.480 --> 00:06:26.120 Number one, do thoughts that God will always take care of you bring you joy? 00:06:26.439 --> 00:06:27.660 We looked at that the last two weeks. 00:06:28.939 --> 00:06:32.699 The idea, no matter what, God is going to take care of me. 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:34.379 My hand's in His life. 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:35.519 Does that bring you joy? 00:06:36.259 --> 00:06:37.040 Well, it should. 00:06:37.480 --> 00:06:38.899 Verses 18 through 20. 00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:40.319 We're not going to look at it anymore. 00:06:40.579 --> 00:06:42.079 We've done enough. 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:43.300 Let's move on. 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:53.139 Number two, do thoughts of your relationship with Jesus Christ both now and in heaven bring you joy? 00:06:54.139 --> 00:06:55.079 Look at verse 21. 00:06:55.220 --> 00:07:00.740 He says, for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:05.259 We're going to spend most of our time right there on that one verse today. 00:07:06.259 --> 00:07:09.080 So what I want to do is just sort of say, pause. 00:07:09.780 --> 00:07:10.860 Let's come back to it. 00:07:10.860 --> 00:07:13.019 Look at verse 3 for just a moment. 00:07:13.300 --> 00:07:17.740 Or look at number 3, verses 22 through 26. 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:26.000 Do thoughts of serving other people, even putting other people ahead of yourself, 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:28.480 does that bring you joy? 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:37.439 Paul wants his friends in this church that he's writing to to know that he's having a hard time deciding 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:42.959 what would be the best outcome of his trial before the emperor. 00:07:43.800 --> 00:07:44.800 Look at it again. 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:46.500 Verses 22 and 23. 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:50.620 Yet which I shall choose, I cannot tell. 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:53.600 I am hard pressed between the two. 00:07:54.100 --> 00:07:55.519 Now I want you to think about what he's saying. 00:07:56.980 --> 00:08:00.759 Paul is saying, I can't figure out what would be best for me to live or die. 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:05.099 As if he had that power to make the decision. 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:06.259 He does it. 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:06.939 He's a prisoner. 00:08:07.180 --> 00:08:08.539 The emperor will decide. 00:08:10.219 --> 00:08:14.060 I think what Paul is talking about is, he doesn't know how to pray. 00:08:15.980 --> 00:08:21.819 He doesn't know whether to pray that he'll live or for God to just go ahead and let him die. 00:08:21.819 --> 00:08:25.319 But one of two things is going to happen. 00:08:26.579 --> 00:08:30.459 He's either going to be sentenced to death or he's going to be set free. 00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:33.100 Here's what I want you to know. 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:41.620 Surprisingly, unbelievably, he speaks of both in positive terms. 00:08:42.460 --> 00:08:49.819 If he's sentenced to death, it's going to result in him immediately going into the presence of the Lord. 00:08:49.820 --> 00:08:52.180 And that is his desired outcome. 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:52.840 Look at it. 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:53.600 Verse 23. 00:08:53.980 --> 00:08:57.480 My desire is to depart and be with Christ. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:08:59.300 That is far better. 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:00.160 Real clear. 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:04.800 If he gets his druthers, that's what he wants to happen. 00:09:05.280 --> 00:09:09.080 If he's set free though, there's going to be a good outcome. 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:12.860 It will result in his continuing in what he calls fruitful ministry. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:16.700 And it will benefit his friends there and Phil that he's writing to. 00:09:16.900 --> 00:09:17.500 Look at this. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:18.080 Verse 22. 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:22.259 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. 00:09:22.379 --> 00:09:22.980 Verse 24. 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:26.820 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:33.180 I think the way to take this is Paul is struggling over how to pray. 00:09:34.820 --> 00:09:39.040 What should I ask God to do in terms of the outcome of this trial? 00:09:40.040 --> 00:09:44.960 It's sort of like as he's writing this, he is intentionally thinking out loud. 00:09:44.960 --> 00:09:49.580 He wants those people to understand what's going through his mind, the process he's going through. 00:09:50.060 --> 00:09:50.759 He's asking. 00:09:51.160 --> 00:09:59.420 On one hand, should I ask God for what I really want to do, which is to die now and immediately be with the Lord? 00:09:59.419 --> 00:10:11.219 Now, you might think, is he just crazy to actually pray to die right now? 00:10:12.339 --> 00:10:17.620 And to die right now for him, keep this in mind, it would be by execution. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:22.600 Which most likely would be to be beheaded. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:32.860 Lord, should I pray that I'll just go ahead and die now and go be with the Lord? 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:35.039 And that is, look at it. 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:37.460 That'd be far better, he said. 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:40.259 Here's why he said that. 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:46.360 If you've read Paul's letters in the New Testament, read about his life and ministry in the book of Acts, 00:10:47.420 --> 00:10:50.019 he lived an unbelievably hard life. 00:10:52.040 --> 00:10:54.639 I mean, he writes about some of the things he went through. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:58.759 He was beaten, flogged on numerous times. 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:06.439 He was stoned in the midst of a mob riot and one time left for dead. 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:08.519 Drug out of the city and left for dead. 00:11:09.299 --> 00:11:10.819 He talks about being cold. 00:11:11.039 --> 00:11:13.080 He talks about being in prison multiple times. 00:11:14.240 --> 00:11:15.659 He lived a hard life. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:21.259 And so, as he thought about the way life had been as a Christian for him, 00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:24.620 it's probably not going to change. 00:11:24.620 --> 00:11:34.899 He thought to himself, I'm tired of getting beat up, being mistreated, being cold and hungry at times. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.820 I'd welcome death. 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:41.440 I'd be through with all this junk. 00:11:42.639 --> 00:11:43.659 I'd be in heaven. 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:44.840 I'd be with the Lord. 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:46.720 Life would be better than it's ever been. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:51.980 Some of us in this room, we've had family members 00:11:51.980 --> 00:11:57.960 who have felt that way, maybe talked that way, prayed that way 00:11:57.960 --> 00:12:01.220 because of maybe a terminal illness they had, 00:12:01.300 --> 00:12:04.759 they were suffering or some other type of tragedy they were going through. 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:08.420 They were not thinking about suicide. 00:12:08.920 --> 00:12:10.800 Don't let that thought enter your mind. 00:12:10.920 --> 00:12:11.899 Suicide is wrong. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:14.399 It's sinful always under every circumstance. 00:12:14.680 --> 00:12:15.680 It can never be justified. 00:12:15.679 --> 00:12:22.159 But we're talking about someone whose life is miserable. 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:24.239 Let me give you an example. 00:12:24.339 --> 00:12:26.699 I've talked about an old uncle I had. 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:28.879 Ninety-something years old. 00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:30.559 Highly committed Christian. 00:12:31.779 --> 00:12:36.620 Lived a very, very active life all many, many years into his 80s. 00:12:36.699 --> 00:12:39.519 Well, in his 90s, his health was broken. 00:12:40.699 --> 00:12:41.979 He's 90-something years old. 00:12:42.459 --> 00:12:43.339 He's living alone. 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:44.359 His wife has died. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:46.340 He's homebound. 00:12:47.080 --> 00:12:47.879 He can't go anywhere. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:48.639 He can't do anything. 00:12:49.580 --> 00:12:51.159 He prayed on a regular basis. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:52.820 Uncle Dolan prayed on a regular basis. 00:12:53.419 --> 00:12:56.320 Lord, take me home like Richard was singing. 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:57.840 Take me home. 00:12:59.180 --> 00:13:00.419 Take me out of this world. 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:02.539 Bring me into your presence. 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:07.240 Bring me there where my Christian loved ones are. 00:13:08.300 --> 00:13:12.100 And you know, I thought that was a great way to pray. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:21.540 You may have now or may have someday family members or friends who talk like that or pray like that, 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:22.560 tell you they're praying like that. 00:13:23.600 --> 00:13:27.300 Never tell them that's wrong or not good or don't do that. 00:13:29.820 --> 00:13:30.960 Pray with them. 00:13:31.040 --> 00:13:31.680 That's what they want. 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:40.799 Why would we as Christians who live a miserable existence now not want to pray and ask God to take me out of it? 00:13:42.079 --> 00:13:45.279 Why would heaven not be again like he talks about? 00:13:45.579 --> 00:13:48.299 And we'll look at it just a little bit later. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:52.179 That's not a crazy prayer for Paul or anyone else. 00:13:53.859 --> 00:14:02.879 But he's also thinking, should I ask God to set me free so that I continue on preaching the gospel, 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:08.159 helping Christians to grow, straightening out trouble in some of these churches 00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:12.579 where a lot of Paul's letters were written just to straighten out problems in the church. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:16.240 Paul knew there's more people to reach. 00:14:16.400 --> 00:14:20.440 Paul, in his letter to the Romans, said he wanted to go to Spain. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:24.840 He wanted to go to what would be called today a frontier mission place, 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:28.100 to reach an unreached people group. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:34.300 He wanted to go and take the gospel as far west in the Roman Empire he was aware of, basically. 00:14:35.200 --> 00:14:36.500 Start new churches there. 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:41.879 He wanted to, as he's saying here, he wanted to help them. 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:45.059 He wanted to straighten out some things, some of the churches. 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:54.419 When you analyze it, Paul's dilemma was a struggle over seeking what would be best for me 00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:58.200 or what would be best for other people. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:01.539 And as we might expect, he chose what was best for others. 00:15:01.539 --> 00:15:03.340 Look again in verse 24. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:17.160 Paul found greater joy, we're saying here, 00:15:18.700 --> 00:15:21.440 in staying in this world in spite of the hardships, 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:25.480 to be a blessing to other people, to be a benefit for other people. 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:35.300 We need to put the interests of other people ahead of our own more than we normally do. 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:38.659 And for some people, some people never do. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:43.060 It may be you, it may be somebody you know real well, 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:46.100 just basically lives a very selfish and self-centered life. 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:49.399 That can't be how we live and be faithful to the Lord. 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:54.000 We need to learn to put the interests of others ahead of our own. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:59.320 Now Paul is actually going to command us to do this later on in chapter 2, verses 3 and 4. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:03.799 So we're going to look at that in greater detail when we get to that in two or three weeks. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:07.320 Let's go back now to point 2. 00:16:08.820 --> 00:16:12.960 Do thoughts of your relationship with Jesus Christ right now in this world, 00:16:13.299 --> 00:16:15.500 your relationship to Him by faith, 00:16:16.639 --> 00:16:18.720 does that bring you joy? 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:28.060 And the thought of one day being with Him in heaven, 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.700 seeing Him face to face, 00:16:31.220 --> 00:16:32.800 does that bring you joy? 00:16:34.560 --> 00:16:35.879 Just think about it in order. 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:40.940 First, do you find joy in your current relationship with the Lord? 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.980 Paul expressed his joy like this. 00:16:43.040 --> 00:16:45.019 We're in verse 21 and we'll be for the rest of the time. 00:16:45.019 --> 00:16:47.120 For me to live is Christ. 00:16:47.819 --> 00:16:50.899 He is really saying by that that Jesus is the center of His life. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:58.199 Jesus is the center and everything in His life revolves around the Lord. 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:06.099 He is focused on knowing, loving, serving His Lord Jesus. 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:11.059 So he wraps, sort of summarizes, you might say. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:13.839 For me to live is Christ. 00:17:15.179 --> 00:17:19.240 Life for Him is all about bringing glory to the Lord, 00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:21.219 pleasing Jesus. 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:24.559 Now you know what's going to be next. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:29.179 Can you say for me to live is Christ? 00:17:31.059 --> 00:17:32.179 Let's back up a moment. 00:17:32.180 --> 00:17:37.460 I want to make a statement and you fill in the blank. 00:17:38.620 --> 00:17:40.900 I want you to think honestly, 00:17:41.940 --> 00:17:44.120 the way you are, just you. 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:46.180 Think to yourself, 00:17:46.580 --> 00:17:49.980 for me to live is blank. 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:57.700 How would you honestly fill in that blank? 00:17:58.360 --> 00:18:00.980 For me to live is what? 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:04.799 Would you say for me to live is family? 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:08.620 For me to live is work? 00:18:09.500 --> 00:18:11.039 For me to live is sports? 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:14.620 For me to live is what? 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:17.860 You know what's near and dear to you. 00:18:19.380 --> 00:18:20.180 Now don't misunderstand. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:25.279 All these kinds of things have a place in our lives. 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:30.339 Family and work and making a living and playing sports. 00:18:31.240 --> 00:18:35.940 There's just a lot of things that go with living life in this world that's good. 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.599 That's helpful. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:40.519 That's fun. 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:43.940 And none of these things are unimportant. 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:54.259 But Jesus Christ deserves to be at the center of our lives. 00:18:55.620 --> 00:18:57.039 And it makes sense. 00:18:57.820 --> 00:18:58.440 Think about it. 00:18:58.620 --> 00:19:00.180 He is the Son of God. 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:06.180 He left the glory of heaven to come into this world for one purpose. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:08.759 To die on a cross. 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:11.200 As our substitute. 00:19:12.340 --> 00:19:15.080 To pay the penalty for our sins. 00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:21.039 He came into this world to die on a cross in your place. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:22.220 In my place. 00:19:22.220 --> 00:19:25.880 It's like He took our sins upon Himself. 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:29.460 He suffered hell. 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:31.100 Separation from God. 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:32.620 That's why He cried out, 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:34.319 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:36.480 He died for us. 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:40.120 He arose victoriously from the grave. 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:42.440 He ascended back into heaven. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:44.759 He's at the right hand of the Father now. 00:19:44.819 --> 00:19:45.460 The Bible says, 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.360 Praying for us. 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:50.319 One day He'll come back into this world. 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:53.480 He'll make everything right. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:58.480 He deserves to be the Lord. 00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:00.119 The focus. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.980 The center of our lives, doesn't He? 00:20:05.419 --> 00:20:07.319 You know, I think all of us 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:09.659 could profit 00:20:09.659 --> 00:20:13.960 from making it our consistent prayer 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:18.460 and a real heartfelt desire 00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:21.640 to live each day consciously. 00:20:22.860 --> 00:20:25.019 More focused on Jesus. 00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:27.299 Seeking to know Him better. 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:29.120 To love Him more. 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:32.819 To find ways to serve Him faithfully. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:38.100 And through His Spirit that indwells us 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:40.819 to cooperate with Him 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:42.759 and develop more Christ-like character. 00:20:43.980 --> 00:20:45.039 Things like the fruit of the Spirit. 00:20:45.159 --> 00:20:46.539 Love and joy and peace. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:47.659 Patience. 00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:48.379 Kindness. 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:49.059 Goodness. 00:20:49.719 --> 00:20:50.119 Faithfulness. 00:20:50.279 --> 00:20:50.519 Gentleness. 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:51.039 Self-control. 00:20:51.139 --> 00:20:52.059 These kind of things. 00:20:53.879 --> 00:20:55.199 You know, when Jesus is at the center 00:20:55.199 --> 00:20:56.379 of our lives like this, 00:20:58.059 --> 00:20:59.839 He will enable us 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:00.779 to be better at everything 00:21:00.779 --> 00:21:02.939 we need to be doing. 00:21:02.940 --> 00:21:05.720 He will enable us to be better 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:07.059 in all of our relationships. 00:21:08.200 --> 00:21:09.180 I'm a better husband. 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:10.299 I'm a better grandfather. 00:21:12.080 --> 00:21:13.120 I'm a better pastor. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.279 I'm a better everything. 00:21:15.240 --> 00:21:16.920 But I'm really focused in 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:19.519 on seeking to serve the Lord 00:21:19.519 --> 00:21:20.880 in these ways. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:22.220 Seeking to honor Jesus 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.320 for the way that I treat people, 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.380 the way that I do my job. 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:26.240 All of us are that way. 00:21:26.900 --> 00:21:27.980 You're a better student, 00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:29.460 better at whatever you do at work, 00:21:30.120 --> 00:21:31.140 wherever you are at home, 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.180 wherever you are at church. 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:34.340 We're all better 00:21:34.340 --> 00:21:37.259 when Jesus is at the center of it. 00:21:37.360 --> 00:21:39.740 We're doing it as if we're doing it for Him. 00:21:40.500 --> 00:21:42.039 We're wanting to honor Him. 00:21:43.840 --> 00:21:44.120 Now, 00:21:44.820 --> 00:21:47.920 we can have a relationship with Jesus 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:50.720 in this world now 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:54.400 that brings glory to Him 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:56.340 and really does give us 00:21:56.340 --> 00:21:58.480 satisfying joy. 00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:01.220 And that's what we should be experiencing. 00:22:02.180 --> 00:22:04.279 That's why the Lord gave us the Scripture, 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:06.080 gave us the privilege to pray, 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:08.519 to develop this kind of relationship with Him. 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:11.759 Excuse me. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:13.519 Let's think now about our future relationship. 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:16.799 Do you find joy in thinking about 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:20.480 your future relationship with Jesus in heaven? 00:22:20.480 --> 00:22:23.880 Paul expresses that like this, 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.120 and to die is gain. 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:26.519 And this is, 00:22:26.860 --> 00:22:27.940 as I mentioned a minute ago, 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:30.339 it's just amazing 00:22:30.339 --> 00:22:31.759 that Paul could say, 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.799 and to die is gain, 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:35.460 knowing that the way he's going to die 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:37.720 in this situation would be executed. 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:41.140 Paul's thoughts 00:22:41.140 --> 00:22:42.680 couldn't have been 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:46.059 on the process of death, 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:48.680 how it was going to happen. 00:22:50.180 --> 00:22:52.079 Paul's thought had to be 00:22:52.079 --> 00:22:54.000 on the person, 00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:55.720 the Lord, 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:59.380 that he was going to be with. 00:23:00.660 --> 00:23:01.860 It's going to have to be on the, 00:23:02.140 --> 00:23:03.559 his thoughts are going to be on the, 00:23:03.559 --> 00:23:05.559 the better life that was in store for him 00:23:05.559 --> 00:23:07.240 on the other side of death. 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:09.339 But in both life and death, 00:23:10.159 --> 00:23:11.440 he's focused on, 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:12.819 on Jesus, 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:13.940 his Lord, 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.240 center of his life. 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:17.279 Life in this world meant 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:18.700 that he would live for Jesus. 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:22.579 Death would take him out of this world 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:25.179 where he would live with Jesus. 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.859 Let's just think. 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.559 Can you honestly say right now, 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:31.819 to die is gain. 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:34.720 And the truth is, 00:23:34.720 --> 00:23:38.559 most of us in this room, 00:23:38.640 --> 00:23:39.519 just about all of us, 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.539 if not every one of us, 00:23:41.120 --> 00:23:42.920 we're not really excited 00:23:42.920 --> 00:23:44.900 about the thought of dying today. 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:46.980 I mean, I'm not. 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:49.620 I don't want to die today. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.700 I don't think anybody here, 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:55.319 under normal circumstances, 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:55.900 I mean, look, 00:23:56.400 --> 00:23:57.640 you're healthy enough to be here. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.279 You got out, 00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:00.339 there's snow on the ground. 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.900 You got to be in pretty good health, 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:03.579 mentally and physically to come. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.240 So, 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:06.420 it wouldn't be normal 00:24:06.420 --> 00:24:07.319 if you sit there and think, 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:08.440 oh, I wish I'd die. 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.620 Death is gain. 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:15.100 It's just normal and natural to think, 00:24:15.960 --> 00:24:16.400 I'm going to live, 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.140 like Paul, 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:19.120 I want to live now and be productive. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.339 I want to be fruitful now. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:22.959 It's okay. 00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:27.299 We should want to live in this world 00:24:27.299 --> 00:24:29.319 as long as we can be productive. 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:31.759 It's not wrong. 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:35.199 Paul is not all about dying 00:24:35.199 --> 00:24:36.799 and we shouldn't be as Christians. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.980 But the fact is, 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:41.980 none of us are going to live in this world forever. 00:24:43.419 --> 00:24:44.859 Unless Jesus comes first, 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:47.019 you're going to die. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:49.079 I am going to die. 00:24:50.200 --> 00:24:52.039 And there's not one thing in the world 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.960 that can be done about it. 00:24:53.799 --> 00:24:55.139 I don't know if you ever think about this. 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.720 Everybody in here, 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:58.299 we're all aging. 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:00.480 Some of us have gotten along further down the road, 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.299 but every one of us in here, 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:01.879 we're aging. 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.779 You ever stop and think about 00:25:04.779 --> 00:25:07.079 how life has passed by so quickly? 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:09.420 That song that Richard sang, 00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:11.180 it was, 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:12.180 obviously, 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:14.299 I can't even remember now. 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.200 B.J. Thomas, 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:17.940 he came out with that song 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:19.180 or 00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:22.259 he made it popular for him 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:24.820 when I was in seminary. 00:25:27.100 --> 00:25:28.400 I can remember him 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:29.600 singing it on the radio. 00:25:32.299 --> 00:25:33.560 And in my mind, 00:25:33.620 --> 00:25:35.200 it just seems like it wasn't any time 00:25:35.200 --> 00:25:36.320 that I heard B.J. Thomas 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:37.560 singing that song on the radio. 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:40.500 But it's been 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:42.279 40 years. 00:25:44.039 --> 00:25:45.740 40 years. 00:25:46.799 --> 00:25:47.519 And some people laugh, 00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:48.440 it's older than me now. 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.579 But let's just think. 00:25:51.419 --> 00:25:52.799 Think about how fast 00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:55.000 our lives go by. 00:25:59.099 --> 00:26:00.519 I don't want this to be morbid, 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.339 but a lot of us in here, 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.039 you know, 00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:05.559 we're in that fourth quarter. 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:10.619 So death is a reality. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:13.319 We should not try 00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:14.480 to ignore it 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:17.059 because we cannot escape it. 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:19.519 So we need to be prepared 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.019 for death. 00:26:21.419 --> 00:26:22.220 Let me just say this, 00:26:22.259 --> 00:26:23.019 if you're not a Christian, 00:26:23.139 --> 00:26:23.859 the only way 00:26:23.859 --> 00:26:25.139 and the first way, 00:26:25.399 --> 00:26:26.039 the most important way 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.720 you can prepare 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:29.440 is to put your trust in Jesus 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.460 as your Lord and Savior. 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:33.399 Repent of your sins. 00:26:34.039 --> 00:26:34.980 Commit your life to Him. 00:26:35.559 --> 00:26:36.619 The only way 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.259 to have a relationship 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.500 with Jesus in heaven 00:26:38.500 --> 00:26:39.679 is to begin it now 00:26:39.679 --> 00:26:40.220 on earth. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.440 But as Christians, 00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:45.799 one of the best ways 00:26:45.799 --> 00:26:47.440 we can prepare for death 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.200 is to think 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:51.139 what we will gain. 00:26:53.639 --> 00:26:54.720 Now on one hand, 00:26:54.960 --> 00:26:55.639 as I said earlier, 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:57.500 death relieves us 00:26:57.500 --> 00:26:58.819 from all pain and sorrow 00:26:58.819 --> 00:27:00.059 in this world. 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:03.919 But even if you, 00:27:04.159 --> 00:27:05.159 if you're a Christian 00:27:05.159 --> 00:27:07.619 and you're relatively young, 00:27:08.399 --> 00:27:09.899 you in the prime of life 00:27:09.899 --> 00:27:10.559 have even reached 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:11.559 the prime of life yet. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.359 You'd say, 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:13.359 life is good for me. 00:27:13.679 --> 00:27:14.379 Well, if you're a Christian 00:27:14.379 --> 00:27:15.419 and you die today, 00:27:15.779 --> 00:27:16.480 life is still, 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.139 or death is still 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:18.480 going to be gain for you. 00:27:20.679 --> 00:27:21.679 Death is always, 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:22.319 for a Christian, 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.659 going to be better 00:27:23.659 --> 00:27:24.679 than what life is 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:25.220 here on earth, 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.220 even when life 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:27.960 is at its best. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.259 Death is going to 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:31.680 usher us 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.180 to the presence 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:32.660 of Jesus 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:34.539 where there will 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:36.140 only be joy 00:27:36.140 --> 00:27:37.779 and happiness. 00:27:40.100 --> 00:27:40.940 Only be that. 00:27:41.900 --> 00:27:43.400 That'll be our life 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:44.140 from then on 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:44.920 forever and ever. 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:47.360 So, 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:50.119 let's think. 00:27:51.339 --> 00:27:52.639 I need to have 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:53.519 in my mind 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:57.599 for me to live 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:58.119 is Christ, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.679 but to die 00:27:59.679 --> 00:28:01.240 is gain. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.959 Don't fear death. 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:08.000 Don't think 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:10.039 this is something 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:10.719 that should never 00:28:10.719 --> 00:28:11.579 be talked about. 00:28:13.199 --> 00:28:13.919 In fact, 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.719 if you're a Christian, 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:16.419 don't just dwell on it, 00:28:16.420 --> 00:28:17.680 but let your family 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.580 members know 00:28:18.580 --> 00:28:20.980 my faith and trust 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.580 is in Jesus 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.660 and whenever I die, 00:28:22.759 --> 00:28:23.360 don't you worry 00:28:23.360 --> 00:28:23.759 about me. 00:28:23.840 --> 00:28:24.340 I'm going to be 00:28:24.340 --> 00:28:24.720 in heaven 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:26.279 and life's going 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:26.539 to be better 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.120 than it's ever been. 00:28:29.200 --> 00:28:29.920 And if you have 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.320 any doubts 00:28:30.320 --> 00:28:31.300 about their salvation, 00:28:31.460 --> 00:28:31.640 say, 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.600 and I hope 00:28:32.600 --> 00:28:33.640 to see you there, 00:28:34.580 --> 00:28:35.600 but I only will 00:28:35.600 --> 00:28:36.620 if Jesus is the 00:28:36.620 --> 00:28:37.340 Lord of your life. 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:39.279 We need to think 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:40.019 to die is gain. 00:28:41.620 --> 00:28:42.019 Now, 00:28:42.340 --> 00:28:43.519 I want to make sure 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:44.220 that we don't miss 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:45.080 a vitally important 00:28:45.080 --> 00:28:45.920 point 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:47.480 that Paul is making 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.400 with this whole statement. 00:28:48.560 --> 00:28:49.920 To me to live 00:28:49.920 --> 00:28:50.480 is Christ 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.300 and to die 00:28:51.300 --> 00:28:51.740 is gain. 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:54.420 The only way 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:55.480 death is going 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.600 to be a gain 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.519 for anybody 00:28:57.519 --> 00:29:00.360 is if 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:01.340 it is centered 00:29:01.340 --> 00:29:02.420 now 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:04.039 in Jesus. 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:05.940 I read an article 00:29:05.940 --> 00:29:06.940 the past week 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:07.440 or two, 00:29:08.820 --> 00:29:09.220 some of you 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:09.740 probably read it 00:29:09.740 --> 00:29:10.140 as well, 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.460 on ESPN. 00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:14.380 there was a 00:29:14.380 --> 00:29:15.259 pro football player 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:17.120 talking about 00:29:17.120 --> 00:29:18.279 how hard 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:18.940 it was 00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:19.539 for a lot 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:20.059 of NFL 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:20.740 players 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.100 to retire. 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.539 He was talking 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.319 about just 00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:25.980 the changes 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:26.900 they went through. 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:27.539 It was just 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:28.140 a traumatic 00:29:28.140 --> 00:29:29.360 experience 00:29:29.360 --> 00:29:30.059 for them to retire. 00:29:30.819 --> 00:29:31.559 And he said, 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.319 and I quote, 00:29:32.680 --> 00:29:32.960 he said, 00:29:33.019 --> 00:29:34.120 for many of those men, 00:29:34.840 --> 00:29:36.420 life is 00:29:36.420 --> 00:29:37.600 football. 00:29:37.599 --> 00:29:37.799 football. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.639 And when there 00:29:41.639 --> 00:29:42.119 is no more 00:29:42.119 --> 00:29:42.579 football, 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:45.240 they have a very 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.279 difficult time 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:48.719 living life. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:51.339 what we need 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:51.920 to think is 00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:53.640 when our life 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:54.559 comes to an end, 00:29:55.940 --> 00:29:57.620 if it's true 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.559 that our life 00:29:58.559 --> 00:29:59.279 has just been 00:29:59.279 --> 00:30:00.440 about sports 00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:01.980 or work 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:03.319 or money 00:30:03.319 --> 00:30:04.880 or popularity 00:30:04.880 --> 00:30:05.799 or anything 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.579 like that, 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:09.880 dying 00:30:09.880 --> 00:30:12.059 will only 00:30:12.059 --> 00:30:12.700 bring us 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:13.360 loss. 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:16.400 It will not 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:17.339 bring us 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:17.920 gain. 00:30:18.720 --> 00:30:20.259 if sports 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:21.120 is your God 00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:22.860 or if you 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:23.700 are your God 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:25.000 or if another 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:26.259 person is your God 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:27.519 or something 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:28.640 is your God, 00:30:30.079 --> 00:30:31.900 when you die, 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.259 you're going 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:34.059 to lose it all. 00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:37.519 You're going 00:30:37.519 --> 00:30:37.940 to have 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.600 nothing 00:30:38.600 --> 00:30:40.900 but torment 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:42.900 in hell 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:45.319 if Christ 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:46.000 is not 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:47.100 your life. 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:48.839 so the only 00:30:48.839 --> 00:30:49.539 way for death 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:49.859 to be 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:50.559 a gain 00:30:50.559 --> 00:30:53.299 is to have 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:53.740 our faith 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.179 and trust 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:54.779 in Jesus 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:58.019 and Him 00:30:58.019 --> 00:30:58.980 be the true 00:30:58.980 --> 00:30:59.919 Lord 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:00.539 and focus 00:31:00.539 --> 00:31:01.379 of our lives. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:03.240 Now let's be 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:03.919 real honest. 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:06.839 For most of us, 00:31:06.919 --> 00:31:07.339 there are 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:08.659 many days 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.980 when we 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.059 cannot say 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.519 for me 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.099 to live 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:14.839 for me 00:31:14.839 --> 00:31:15.200 to live 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:15.659 as Christ. 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.339 Let's be all 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.599 honest. 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.039 I'll be 00:31:18.039 --> 00:31:18.379 at the top 00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:18.759 of the list. 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:19.659 There's a lot 00:31:19.659 --> 00:31:19.960 of days 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:20.599 where I cannot 00:31:20.599 --> 00:31:21.359 honestly say 00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:22.179 for me 00:31:22.179 --> 00:31:22.740 to live 00:31:22.740 --> 00:31:23.240 as Christ 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:25.279 because He's 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:25.659 not really 00:31:25.659 --> 00:31:26.119 the center 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:26.919 of my life. 00:31:28.919 --> 00:31:29.539 You'll have 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:29.779 to admit 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.179 that too. 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.359 We all 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:31.819 have our 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.399 struggles. 00:31:33.399 --> 00:31:34.179 Some of us 00:31:34.179 --> 00:31:34.720 more than 00:31:34.720 --> 00:31:35.019 others. 00:31:35.019 --> 00:31:37.240 So what we 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:37.619 need to do 00:31:37.619 --> 00:31:38.079 right now 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.519 is just 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:40.539 if we 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:40.920 can't say 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:41.339 right now 00:31:41.339 --> 00:31:41.879 for me 00:31:41.879 --> 00:31:42.559 to live 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.059 as Christ 00:31:43.059 --> 00:31:43.339 Jesus 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:43.539 is not 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:43.879 the center 00:31:43.879 --> 00:31:45.819 admit it 00:31:45.819 --> 00:31:46.259 to God. 00:31:48.200 --> 00:31:48.680 Confess 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:48.960 it 00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:51.639 as sin. 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:52.279 In fact, 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:52.920 confess 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:54.500 as sin 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:55.680 whatever 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.639 or whoever 00:31:56.639 --> 00:31:57.059 you have 00:31:57.059 --> 00:31:57.539 allowed to 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:57.859 be the 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.240 center of 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:58.660 your life 00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:01.279 instead of 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.559 Jesus. 00:32:02.920 --> 00:32:03.359 Repent 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:03.579 of it. 00:32:03.660 --> 00:32:03.940 Change 00:32:03.940 --> 00:32:04.500 your mind. 00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:05.259 Change 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:05.539 the way 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:05.759 you're 00:32:05.759 --> 00:32:06.039 living. 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:06.279 Ask 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:06.480 God 00:32:06.480 --> 00:32:06.799 to help 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:07.019 you. 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:08.700 Then 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.240 make a 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:09.660 commitment 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:11.839 that with 00:32:11.839 --> 00:32:12.220 God's 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.400 help 00:32:12.400 --> 00:32:12.619 you're 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:12.859 going to 00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:13.099 seek 00:32:13.099 --> 00:32:13.440 to live 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:13.660 each 00:32:13.660 --> 00:32:14.019 day 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:14.900 with 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:15.339 Jesus 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:15.759 as 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:15.940 the 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.160 center 00:32:16.160 --> 00:32:16.319 of 00:32:16.319 --> 00:32:16.440 your 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:16.740 life. 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:17.160 In 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:17.220 other 00:32:17.220 --> 00:32:17.359 words, 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:17.640 He's 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:17.740 going to 00:32:17.740 --> 00:32:18.000 be your 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.420 focus. 00:32:19.859 --> 00:32:20.279 You're 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:20.380 going to 00:32:20.380 --> 00:32:20.559 seek 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:21.480 to know 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:21.660 Him 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:21.960 better. 00:32:22.480 --> 00:32:22.799 Spend 00:32:22.799 --> 00:32:23.240 time in 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.519 the Word, 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:23.940 in prayer, 00:32:24.039 --> 00:32:24.480 talking to 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:24.599 Him. 00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:25.019 Love 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.180 Him 00:32:25.180 --> 00:32:25.619 more. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.119 Be 00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:26.359 more 00:32:26.359 --> 00:32:26.759 faithful 00:32:26.759 --> 00:32:27.039 in 00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:27.460 serving 00:32:27.460 --> 00:32:27.839 Him. 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:28.559 In 00:32:28.559 --> 00:32:28.799 fact, 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.519 do what 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:29.799 you do 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:30.180 for other 00:32:30.180 --> 00:32:31.079 people as 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:34.539 God, 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:37.720 start now. 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.039 We need 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.259 to do 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:38.519 this. 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.299 Start now 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:39.980 asking God 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:40.259 to give 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:40.559 you the 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.460 desire and 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:42.059 the ability 00:32:42.059 --> 00:32:43.660 to live 00:32:43.660 --> 00:32:44.119 this way 00:32:44.119 --> 00:32:44.960 every day, 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.339 to make 00:32:46.339 --> 00:32:46.619 it our 00:32:46.619 --> 00:32:47.200 prayer in 00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:47.720 the morning, 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:50.200 at lunchtime, 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:51.720 in the 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:52.240 afternoon. 00:32:54.619 --> 00:32:54.859 You know, 00:32:54.900 --> 00:32:55.380 when we fail 00:32:55.380 --> 00:32:55.660 to live 00:32:55.660 --> 00:32:56.119 this way, 00:32:56.920 --> 00:32:57.619 and we 00:32:57.619 --> 00:32:58.539 all will 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:59.480 at times, 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:02.779 just confess 00:33:02.779 --> 00:33:03.140 your sin 00:33:03.140 --> 00:33:03.460 again. 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:05.380 Some of 00:33:05.380 --> 00:33:05.660 you right 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:05.819 now, 00:33:05.880 --> 00:33:06.059 you may 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:06.400 be very 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:06.759 serious 00:33:06.759 --> 00:33:07.059 about what 00:33:07.059 --> 00:33:07.180 we're 00:33:07.180 --> 00:33:07.460 talking 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:07.759 about, 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:08.319 and you 00:33:08.319 --> 00:33:10.000 may confess 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:10.519 that you 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:10.940 have allowed 00:33:10.940 --> 00:33:11.759 somebody or 00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:12.880 something to 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.380 be the center 00:33:13.380 --> 00:33:14.059 of your life, 00:33:14.099 --> 00:33:14.319 and you're 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:14.819 repenting of 00:33:14.819 --> 00:33:15.019 that. 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:15.720 You're making 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.119 Jesus, 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:16.779 making a new 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:17.160 commitment to 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:17.599 Him as the 00:33:17.599 --> 00:33:17.839 Lord of 00:33:17.839 --> 00:33:18.259 your life. 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:18.819 You want to 00:33:18.819 --> 00:33:19.140 love Him 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:19.440 more. 00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:19.980 You want to 00:33:19.980 --> 00:33:20.259 serve Him 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:20.880 more faithfully. 00:33:24.059 --> 00:33:24.880 But Wednesday, 00:33:25.880 --> 00:33:28.140 you may have 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:28.720 a breakdown. 00:33:30.980 --> 00:33:31.640 You may just 00:33:31.640 --> 00:33:32.019 want to be 00:33:32.019 --> 00:33:32.359 selfish. 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:32.519 selfish. 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:34.439 You just 00:33:34.439 --> 00:33:34.839 may want to 00:33:34.839 --> 00:33:36.119 serve something 00:33:36.119 --> 00:33:36.839 more than 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.139 Jesus. 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:38.959 When you 00:33:38.959 --> 00:33:39.659 realize that, 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:40.359 confess it 00:33:40.359 --> 00:33:40.679 then. 00:33:41.479 --> 00:33:41.919 Repent of 00:33:41.919 --> 00:33:42.419 it then. 00:33:43.219 --> 00:33:43.759 Come back 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:44.059 to the 00:33:44.059 --> 00:33:44.559 Lord then. 00:33:44.759 --> 00:33:45.259 That's how 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.139 we all live 00:33:46.139 --> 00:33:46.539 a Christian 00:33:46.539 --> 00:33:46.979 life. 00:33:48.459 --> 00:33:48.819 Christian 00:33:48.819 --> 00:33:49.259 life is a 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:50.019 lifestyle of 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:50.919 ongoing 00:33:50.919 --> 00:33:51.819 repentance and 00:33:51.819 --> 00:33:52.179 faith. 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:53.559 It's like 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:54.179 Chuck Swindoll 00:33:54.179 --> 00:33:54.619 says, we 00:33:54.619 --> 00:33:55.899 take three 00:33:55.899 --> 00:33:56.859 steps forward 00:33:56.859 --> 00:33:57.839 and two 00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.619 steps back a 00:33:58.619 --> 00:33:59.259 lot of times. 00:33:59.259 --> 00:34:00.740 by God's 00:34:00.740 --> 00:34:01.379 grace when we 00:34:01.379 --> 00:34:03.220 do that, we 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:03.980 still make some 00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:04.400 progress. 00:34:05.680 --> 00:34:06.599 We never make 00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:07.480 just perfectly 00:34:07.480 --> 00:34:08.480 consistent progress. 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:09.559 We're all to 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.199 some degree. 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:11.199 Three steps 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:12.320 forward, one 00:34:12.320 --> 00:34:13.699 step back, five 00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:14.400 steps forward, 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:15.239 three steps back, 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:15.679 something like 00:34:15.679 --> 00:34:15.940 that. 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:17.980 What would it 00:34:17.980 --> 00:34:18.360 take this 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.880 morning to 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:20.219 have the 00:34:20.219 --> 00:34:21.039 testimony of 00:34:21.039 --> 00:34:22.579 Paul to 00:34:22.579 --> 00:34:23.360 me to live 00:34:23.360 --> 00:34:24.840 as Christ and 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:25.679 to die as 00:34:25.679 --> 00:34:26.039 gain? 00:34:26.039 --> 00:34:28.699 if you 00:34:28.699 --> 00:34:29.320 know there's 00:34:29.320 --> 00:34:30.259 some sin to 00:34:30.259 --> 00:34:31.300 confess, do 00:34:31.300 --> 00:34:33.759 it now, this 00:34:33.759 --> 00:34:34.099 moment. 00:34:35.420 --> 00:34:36.179 If there are 00:34:36.179 --> 00:34:36.719 some things that 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.320 need to change 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:37.880 in your life, 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.500 some priorities 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:38.880 that need to 00:34:38.880 --> 00:34:40.139 change, make 00:34:40.139 --> 00:34:40.679 the commitment. 00:34:42.320 --> 00:34:43.199 Plan now how 00:34:43.199 --> 00:34:43.519 you're going to 00:34:43.519 --> 00:34:44.139 bring about those 00:34:44.139 --> 00:34:44.500 changes. 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:46.039 What's going to 00:34:46.039 --> 00:34:46.219 change? 00:34:46.259 --> 00:34:46.519 What are you 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:46.739 going to do 00:34:46.739 --> 00:34:47.099 to change? 00:34:49.539 --> 00:34:50.320 Do you need 00:34:50.320 --> 00:34:51.039 to get more 00:34:51.039 --> 00:34:52.000 serious about 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:53.219 just your 00:34:53.219 --> 00:34:55.239 relationship with 00:34:55.239 --> 00:34:55.500 Jesus? 00:34:56.039 --> 00:34:57.800 you need to 00:34:57.800 --> 00:34:58.579 really start 00:34:58.579 --> 00:35:00.139 consciously thinking 00:35:00.139 --> 00:35:01.000 more about 00:35:01.000 --> 00:35:03.139 pleasing Him 00:35:03.139 --> 00:35:04.759 instead of 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:05.340 yourself or 00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:06.079 anyone else. 00:35:09.300 --> 00:35:10.340 Ask God, 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:11.539 and I do 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.279 this sometimes, 00:35:12.820 --> 00:35:13.360 and he do 00:35:13.360 --> 00:35:13.800 this all the 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:14.159 time, but 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:15.159 ask God to 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:15.420 give you a 00:35:15.420 --> 00:35:16.059 greater desire 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:18.019 to know and 00:35:18.019 --> 00:35:18.659 love and 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:20.460 serve Him 00:35:20.460 --> 00:35:20.940 and be like 00:35:20.940 --> 00:35:21.219 Jesus. 00:35:23.159 --> 00:35:23.860 I want us to 00:35:23.860 --> 00:35:25.320 close by praying 00:35:25.320 --> 00:35:26.080 and asking God 00:35:26.080 --> 00:35:26.740 to help us 00:35:26.740 --> 00:35:27.940 to develop 00:35:27.940 --> 00:35:29.180 and enjoy 00:35:29.180 --> 00:35:31.019 a close 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:31.800 relationship with 00:35:31.800 --> 00:35:32.400 Him and our 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:33.640 Lord now 00:35:33.640 --> 00:35:36.640 and then be 00:35:36.640 --> 00:35:37.860 able to look 00:35:37.860 --> 00:35:38.660 forward to 00:35:38.660 --> 00:35:40.360 the closest 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:41.940 relationship with 00:35:41.940 --> 00:35:43.460 Him in heaven. 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:44.140 Let's pray 00:35:44.140 --> 00:35:44.480 together. 00:35:45.480 --> 00:35:45.980 Dear God, 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:51.699 as we look at 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:54.019 Paul's statement 00:35:54.019 --> 00:35:54.840 about his own 00:35:54.840 --> 00:35:57.360 life, for me to 00:35:57.360 --> 00:35:58.340 live is Christ, 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.039 to die is 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:00.420 gain. 00:36:03.740 --> 00:36:04.800 We know that 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:07.099 we can't say 00:36:07.099 --> 00:36:08.940 that as often 00:36:08.940 --> 00:36:09.740 as we should. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:12.539 Lord, create 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:13.139 within us a 00:36:13.139 --> 00:36:14.559 true heartfelt 00:36:14.559 --> 00:36:16.199 desire to be 00:36:16.199 --> 00:36:16.679 able to say 00:36:16.679 --> 00:36:16.939 that. 00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:19.500 Help us to 00:36:19.500 --> 00:36:21.879 confess the 00:36:21.879 --> 00:36:22.599 sin, make the 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.039 commitment, 00:36:23.259 --> 00:36:24.179 rearrange priorities, 00:36:24.439 --> 00:36:24.899 whatever it 00:36:24.899 --> 00:36:28.699 takes to make 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:29.299 sure that Jesus 00:36:29.299 --> 00:36:32.359 is the focus 00:36:32.359 --> 00:36:32.959 of our life, 00:36:34.259 --> 00:36:35.319 the center. 00:36:35.320 --> 00:36:38.800 And as we 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:39.240 walk with 00:36:39.240 --> 00:36:39.740 Jesus in 00:36:39.740 --> 00:36:40.220 this world, 00:36:41.220 --> 00:36:42.480 we seek to 00:36:42.480 --> 00:36:42.980 be the best 00:36:42.980 --> 00:36:43.340 that we can 00:36:43.340 --> 00:36:44.059 be in our 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:45.460 homes, at 00:36:45.460 --> 00:36:46.019 work, at 00:36:46.019 --> 00:36:46.519 school, and 00:36:46.519 --> 00:36:47.240 everywhere else. 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:51.360 So just show 00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:52.120 us to God how 00:36:52.120 --> 00:36:53.180 we should respond 00:36:53.180 --> 00:36:55.180 so that this 00:36:55.180 --> 00:36:56.780 can be our 00:36:56.780 --> 00:36:57.260 testimony. 00:36:59.660 --> 00:37:00.440 That's just an 00:37:00.440 --> 00:37:01.059 attitude of 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:01.400 prayer. 00:37:02.500 --> 00:37:03.100 Respond to the 00:37:03.100 --> 00:37:04.140 Lord as we all 00:37:04.140 --> 00:37:04.760 need to. 00:37:04.760 --> 00:37:05.620 see fit to at 00:37:05.620 --> 00:37:07.400 this time as 00:37:07.400 --> 00:37:07.920 we close out 00:37:07.920 --> 00:37:08.360 our service. 00:37:08.580 --> 00:37:09.400 Just bow and 00:37:09.400 --> 00:37:09.580 pray.