The final service of a camp meeting featured a sermon on Revelation 2:4 about the church of Ephesus losing its first love. The preacher warned against spiritual coldness and backsliding, emphasizing the need for consistent prayer, Bible study, and heartfelt devotion. He shared personal testimonies and illustrated the dangers of neglecting one's relationship with Christ through a story of a fallen preacher.
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as others make their way back in here. as others make their way back in here. We do appreciate uh all of the support We do appreciate uh all of the support We do appreciate uh all of the support that visitors have given us this week. that visitors have given us this week. that visitors have given us this week. Members, I hope that you've told them Members, I hope that you've told them Members, I hope that you've told them personally. I know I've tried to tell as personally. I know I've tried to tell as personally. I know I've tried to tell as many as I could uh that we do appreciate many as I could uh that we do appreciate many as I could uh that we do appreciate the the support al also the members the the support al also the members the the support al also the members coming being a part of this as well and coming being a part of this as well and coming being a part of this as well and uh it's been a great great camp meeting. uh it's been a great great camp meeting. uh it's been a great great camp meeting. This is our last 11:00 service. So it This is our last 11:00 service. So it This is our last 11:00 service. So it will be written down in history here in will be written down in history here in will be written down in history here in just about an hour or so. But father we just about an hour or so. But father we just about an hour or so. But father we thank you God once again for the thank you God once again for the thank you God once again for the opportunity and the privilege that Lord opportunity and the privilege that Lord opportunity and the privilege that Lord that you have made it possible for us to that you have made it possible for us to that you have made it possible for us to have this camp meeting this year again. have this camp meeting this year again. have this camp meeting this year again. And I feel like that God every year for And I feel like that God every year for And I feel like that God every year for 16 17 years now, every year has gotten 16 17 years now, every year has gotten 16 17 years now, every year has gotten greater and greater. So God, we've done greater and greater. So God, we've done greater and greater. So God, we've done got the greatest camp meeting that we've got the greatest camp meeting that we've got the greatest camp meeting that we've ever been a part of here in [music] ever been a part of here in [music] ever been a part of here in [music] process finishing up here in the next process finishing up here in the next process finishing up here in the next two services. I ask you to touch brother two services. I ask you to touch brother two services. I ask you to touch brother T, God, anoint him and use him, God to T, God, anoint him and use him, God to T, God, anoint him and use him, God to speak the word of God to in our spirits speak the word of God to in our spirits speak the word of God to in our spirits once more today. And God will give you once more today. And God will give you once more today. And God will give you praise and honor and glory for it all in praise and honor and glory for it all in praise and honor and glory for it all in Jesus name. Amen. In this world, I've tried most In this world, I've tried most everything. [music and singing] everything. [music and singing] everything. [music and singing] And I'm happy now to say there is And I'm happy now to say there is And I'm happy now to say there is nothing like religion nothing like religion nothing like religion in a good oldfashioned [music] in a good oldfashioned [music] in a good oldfashioned [music] way. I am walking in the old time way. way. I am walking in the old time way. way. I am walking in the old time way. [music] [music] [music] And I want the world [singing] to know And I want the world [singing] to know And I want the world [singing] to know that I'd rather be an oldtime Christian, that I'd rather be an oldtime Christian, that I'd rather be an oldtime Christian, Lord, than anything [music and singing] Lord, than anything [music and singing] Lord, than anything [music and singing] I know. I'd rather be an oldtime I know. I'd rather be an oldtime I know. I'd rather be an oldtime Christian than anything I know. There's Christian than anything I know. There's Christian than anything I know. There's nothing [singing and music] like an nothing [singing and music] like an nothing [singing and music] like an oldtime Christian with a Christian love oldtime Christian with a Christian love oldtime Christian with a Christian love to show. [music] to show. [music] to show. [music] I'm walking in the grand old [singing] I'm walking in the grand old [singing] I'm walking in the grand old [singing] highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go that I'd rather be an old time Christian that I'd rather be an old time Christian that I'd rather be an old time Christian Lord than [singing] anything I know. There are many things There are many things [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] I'd like to be as my journey I pursue. I'd like to be as my journey I pursue. I'd like to be as my journey I pursue. I have longed to be a leader [music] I have longed to be a leader [music] I have longed to be a leader [music] like a mortal man would do. And I would like a mortal man would do. And I would like a mortal man would do. And I would like to be a millionaire with like to be a millionaire with like to be a millionaire with [singing and music] a million to bestow. [singing and music] a million to bestow. [singing and music] a million to bestow. Oh, but I'd rather be an oldtime Oh, but I'd rather be an oldtime Oh, but I'd rather be an oldtime Christian, Lord, than anything I know. Christian, Lord, than anything I know. Christian, Lord, than anything I know. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] I'd rather be an old time Christian, I'd rather be an old time Christian, I'd rather be an old time Christian, Lord, than anything I know. There's Lord, than anything I know. There's Lord, than anything I know. There's [singing] nothing like an old time [singing] nothing like an old time [singing] nothing like an old time Christian with a Christian love to show. Christian with a Christian love to show. Christian with a Christian love to show. I'm walking [singing and music] in the I'm walking [singing and music] in the I'm walking [singing and music] in the Grand Old Highway. And I'm telling Grand Old Highway. And I'm telling Grand Old Highway. And I'm telling everywhere I [music] go that I'd ra be everywhere I [music] go that I'd ra be everywhere I [music] go that I'd ra be an old time Christian more than anything an old time Christian more than anything an old time Christian more than anything I [singing] know. I [singing] know. I [singing] know. I'd rather be an old time Christian I'd rather be an old time Christian I'd rather be an old time Christian than anything I love. There's nothing than anything I love. There's nothing than anything I love. There's nothing like an old time Christian [singing] like an old time Christian [singing] like an old time Christian [singing] with [music] a Christian love to show. with [music] a Christian love to show. with [music] a Christian love to show. I'm walking in the grand [singing] old I'm walking in the grand [singing] old I'm walking in the grand [singing] old highway. And I'm telling everyone highway. And I'm telling everyone highway. And I'm telling everyone [music] I go that I'd rather be an old [music] I go that I'd rather be an old [music] I go that I'd rather be an old time [music] Christian Lord than time [music] Christian Lord than time [music] Christian Lord than anything [singing] anything [singing] anything [singing] I know. All the world is bright since All the world is bright since [music and singing] I got right. Now I [music and singing] I got right. Now I [music and singing] I got right. Now I sing and pray and shout. All my burdens sing and pray and shout. All my burdens sing and pray and shout. All my burdens have been lifted. Since [music] the have been lifted. Since [music] the have been lifted. Since [music] the Savior brought [singing] me out, I will Savior brought [singing] me out, I will Savior brought [singing] me out, I will tell the world both far tell the world both far tell the world both far [singing and music] and near. as I [singing and music] and near. as I [singing and music] and near. as I travel here below travel here below travel here below that I'd ra be an old time Christian that I'd ra be an old time Christian that I'd ra be an old time Christian Lord than anything I [singing and music] Lord than anything I [singing and music] Lord than anything I [singing and music] know. I'd ra be an old time Christian know. I'd ra be an old time Christian know. I'd ra be an old time Christian Lord than anything I know. [singing] Lord than anything I know. [singing] Lord than anything I know. [singing] There's nothing like an old time There's nothing like an old time There's nothing like an old time Christian where the Christian [singing] Christian where the Christian [singing] Christian where the Christian [singing] long to show. I'm walking in the brand long to show. I'm walking in the brand long to show. I'm walking in the brand [music] old highway. And I'm telling [music] old highway. And I'm telling [music] old highway. And I'm telling [singing] everywhere I go that I'd [singing] everywhere I go that I'd [singing] everywhere I go that I'd rather be an old time Christian Lord rather be an old time Christian Lord rather be an old time Christian Lord than anything I know. Yes, I'd rather than anything I know. Yes, I'd rather than anything I know. Yes, I'd rather [singing] be old time Christian Lord [singing] be old time Christian Lord [singing] be old time Christian Lord [music] [music] [music] than anything I know. There's nothing than anything I know. There's nothing than anything I know. There's nothing [music] like an old time Christian [music] like an old time Christian [music] like an old time Christian [singing] [singing] [singing] love to show. I'm walking in [music] the love to show. I'm walking in [music] the love to show. I'm walking in [music] the grand old highway [singing] and I'm grand old highway [singing] and I'm grand old highway [singing] and I'm telling everywhere I go, but I'd rather telling everywhere I go, but I'd rather telling everywhere I go, but I'd rather be an old time Christian be an old time Christian be an old time Christian than anything [singing] than anything [singing] than anything [singing] I know. I know. I know. [music] [music] [music] All the [singing] world is right. I got All the [singing] world is right. I got All the [singing] world is right. I got right now. I sing and pray and shout. right now. I sing and pray and shout. right now. I sing and pray and shout. All my burdens have been lifted since All my burdens have been lifted since All my burdens have been lifted since the Savior brought me the Savior brought me the Savior brought me [singing and music] out. I will tell the [singing and music] out. I will tell the [singing and music] out. I will tell the world both far and near. As I travel world both far and near. As I travel world both far and near. As I travel here below, here below, here below, that I'd rather be a long time that I'd rather be a long time that I'd rather be a long time Christian, Lord, than anything I know. Christian, Lord, than anything I know. Christian, Lord, than anything I know. I'd rather be an old time Christian, I'd rather be an old time Christian, I'd rather be an old time Christian, Lord, than anything [singing] Lord, than anything [singing] Lord, than anything [singing] I know. There's nothing like an old time I know. There's nothing like an old time I know. There's nothing like an old time Christian [singing and music] Christian [singing and music] Christian [singing and music] with a Christian love to show. I'm with a Christian love to show. I'm with a Christian love to show. I'm walking [singing] in the grand old walking [singing] in the grand old walking [singing] in the grand old highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go that I'd rather be an alltime Christian that I'd rather be an alltime Christian that I'd rather be an alltime Christian than any [singing] than any [singing] than any [singing] I know. [music] Yes, I'd ra be an old I know. [music] Yes, I'd ra be an old I know. [music] Yes, I'd ra be an old time. time. time. [music] [music] [music] I [singing] know. There's nothing like I [singing] know. There's nothing like I [singing] know. There's nothing like an old time Christian with a Christian an old time Christian with a Christian an old time Christian with a Christian love to show. I'm walking in the grand love to show. I'm walking in the grand love to show. I'm walking in the grand old highway. And I'm telling everywhere old highway. And I'm telling everywhere old highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go [singing] I go [singing] I go [singing] that I'd rather be an old time Christian that I'd rather be an old time Christian that I'd rather be an old time Christian Lord. Lord. Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Sing it again. [music] I'd ra be an old Sing it again. [music] I'd ra be an old Sing it again. [music] I'd ra be an old time Christian Lord than anything I time Christian Lord than anything I time Christian Lord than anything I know. There's nothing like an old know. There's nothing like an old know. There's nothing like an old [music] time Christian with a Christian [music] time Christian with a Christian [music] time Christian with a Christian love to show. I'm walking in the love to show. I'm walking in the love to show. I'm walking in the [music and singing] grand old highway. [music and singing] grand old highway. [music and singing] grand old highway. And I'm telling everywhere I go that I'd And I'm telling everywhere I go that I'd And I'm telling everywhere I go that I'd rather be an oldtime [music and singing] rather be an oldtime [music and singing] rather be an oldtime [music and singing] Christian than anything I know. And I can tell you there is no Christian And I can tell you there is no Christian unless there's old time. unless there's old time. unless there's old time. He's a fake. He's a fake. He's a fake. Brother T's going to come and [music] Brother T's going to come and [music] Brother T's going to come and [music] preach to us and he's going to tell you preach to us and he's going to tell you preach to us and he's going to tell you he's a fake. Give this man of God a hand as he comes Give this man of God a hand as he comes preach to us this morning. preach to us this morning. preach to us this morning. Amen. Thank you, brother. Yes. Amen. Thank you, brother. Yes. Amen. Thank you, brother. Yes. Hard to believe it's already the last Hard to believe it's already the last Hard to believe it's already the last day of the meeting, isn't it? day of the meeting, isn't it? day of the meeting, isn't it? So thankful for the privilege to be able So thankful for the privilege to be able So thankful for the privilege to be able to be here. Appreciate brother and to be here. Appreciate brother and to be here. Appreciate brother and sister Hunt. Love them and Lisa and I sister Hunt. Love them and Lisa and I sister Hunt. Love them and Lisa and I count them as some of our dear friends count them as some of our dear friends count them as some of our dear friends and uh appreciate their vision, what and uh appreciate their vision, what and uh appreciate their vision, what they're doing for the kingdom of God. they're doing for the kingdom of God. they're doing for the kingdom of God. And I know that most probably most And I know that most probably most And I know that most probably most everybody here, not everybody, but great everybody here, not everybody, but great everybody here, not everybody, but great number are here this morning that attend number are here this morning that attend number are here this morning that attend this local church. And I know that you this local church. And I know that you this local church. And I know that you realize and recognize how blessed you realize and recognize how blessed you realize and recognize how blessed you are to have been given a man like are to have been given a man like are to have been given a man like brother Hunt and a woman like Sister brother Hunt and a woman like Sister brother Hunt and a woman like Sister Hunt to work and labor in this corner of Hunt to work and labor in this corner of Hunt to work and labor in this corner of the vineyard. Praise God. Ain't you the vineyard. Praise God. Ain't you the vineyard. Praise God. Ain't you happy they're here pastoring you? Praise happy they're here pastoring you? Praise happy they're here pastoring you? Praise God. appreciate. Love them so much. My God. appreciate. Love them so much. My God. appreciate. Love them so much. My friend, brother Joshua Carowway, has friend, brother Joshua Carowway, has friend, brother Joshua Carowway, has already had to leave uh to get back, get already had to leave uh to get back, get already had to leave uh to get back, get prepared for his meeting next week. But prepared for his meeting next week. But prepared for his meeting next week. But man, that guy that guy done some man, that guy that guy done some man, that guy that guy done some preaching to us this week. That's the preaching to us this week. That's the preaching to us this week. That's the way I like it. Just uh I've been telling way I like it. Just uh I've been telling way I like it. Just uh I've been telling brother Jones this week, he's been brother Jones this week, he's been brother Jones this week, he's been trying to lift me up and build me up and trying to lift me up and build me up and trying to lift me up and build me up and encourage me. And I just kind of refer encourage me. And I just kind of refer encourage me. And I just kind of refer to myself as a corn field preacher. Just to myself as a corn field preacher. Just to myself as a corn field preacher. Just a corn field preacher. You know what a corn field preacher. You know what a corn field preacher. You know what cornfield preaching is, don't you? cornfield preaching is, don't you? cornfield preaching is, don't you? That's when you shuck the corn and shell That's when you shuck the corn and shell That's when you shuck the corn and shell it off the cob, throw the cobs at the it off the cob, throw the cobs at the it off the cob, throw the cobs at the devil. Hallelujah. Just plain old devil. Hallelujah. Just plain old devil. Hallelujah. Just plain old flatfooted preaching. I I uh I flatfooted preaching. I I uh I flatfooted preaching. I I uh I appreciate Brother Joshua Carowway. He's appreciate Brother Joshua Carowway. He's appreciate Brother Joshua Carowway. He's that kind of preacher, too. And I I love that kind of preacher, too. And I I love that kind of preacher, too. And I I love them. I miss I miss them already. Amen. them. I miss I miss them already. Amen. them. I miss I miss them already. Amen. It's been great to share uh the meeting It's been great to share uh the meeting It's been great to share uh the meeting this week with brother and sister Puler this week with brother and sister Puler this week with brother and sister Puler and their their family. Uh their fine and their their family. Uh their fine and their their family. Uh their fine children coming along behind a man. children coming along behind a man. children coming along behind a man. Brother Per has made uh quite a Brother Per has made uh quite a Brother Per has made uh quite a preacher. I've been anxious, looking preacher. I've been anxious, looking preacher. I've been anxious, looking forward, excited, that's a better word. forward, excited, that's a better word. forward, excited, that's a better word. I knew his dad, was acquainted with his I knew his dad, was acquainted with his I knew his dad, was acquainted with his dad. And uh I remember that first dad. And uh I remember that first dad. And uh I remember that first service that uh brother Josh Carowway service that uh brother Josh Carowway service that uh brother Josh Carowway got up and told a story about him when got up and told a story about him when got up and told a story about him when he was a little boy. And he, y'all he was a little boy. And he, y'all he was a little boy. And he, y'all remember, he called him an aggravating remember, he called him an aggravating remember, he called him an aggravating hornet. That was when he was a child. That was when he was a child. He's smiling now about like he was when He's smiling now about like he was when He's smiling now about like he was when Josh said it earlier. But uh uh I Josh said it earlier. But uh uh I Josh said it earlier. But uh uh I wondered after all this preaching he's wondered after all this preaching he's wondered after all this preaching he's preached to some of you if maybe you preached to some of you if maybe you preached to some of you if maybe you don't think he's an aggravating hornet don't think he's an aggravating hornet don't think he's an aggravating hornet all these years later. But that's what all these years later. But that's what all these years later. But that's what we need sometimes. we need sometimes. we need sometimes. Somebody just to put the poker in the Somebody just to put the poker in the Somebody just to put the poker in the fire and stir us up, fire and stir us up, fire and stir us up, get the flame burning again. And I get the flame burning again. And I get the flame burning again. And I believe he's been pointing us in the believe he's been pointing us in the believe he's been pointing us in the right direction. I certainly have right direction. I certainly have right direction. I certainly have enjoyed getting to be here in the enjoyed getting to be here in the enjoyed getting to be here in the meeting with them. Uh, Revelation meeting with them. Uh, Revelation meeting with them. Uh, Revelation chapter 2, if you have your Bibles, the chapter 2, if you have your Bibles, the chapter 2, if you have your Bibles, the book of the Revelation. book of the Revelation. book of the Revelation. I have felt like, this is not uh I don't I have felt like, this is not uh I don't I have felt like, this is not uh I don't mean this as a pity party. Don't take it mean this as a pity party. Don't take it mean this as a pity party. Don't take it that way, cuz that ain't the way I mean that way, cuz that ain't the way I mean that way, cuz that ain't the way I mean it, but I've felt like uh the odd man it, but I've felt like uh the odd man it, but I've felt like uh the odd man out last couple days. I didn't feel out last couple days. I didn't feel out last couple days. I didn't feel like, you know, this this thing's been like, you know, this this thing's been like, you know, this this thing's been flowing toward a certain place. And I flowing toward a certain place. And I flowing toward a certain place. And I hope uh the things I I I just felt hope uh the things I I I just felt hope uh the things I I I just felt different like I just kind of was uh out different like I just kind of was uh out different like I just kind of was uh out of step yesterday. I hope God just of step yesterday. I hope God just of step yesterday. I hope God just blessed it and put it all where it needs blessed it and put it all where it needs blessed it and put it all where it needs to be. Now I'm feeling that way again to be. Now I'm feeling that way again to be. Now I'm feeling that way again this morning, but I I wanted to leave this morning, but I I wanted to leave this morning, but I I wanted to leave this with you. I prayed sincerely and uh this with you. I prayed sincerely and uh this with you. I prayed sincerely and uh I'll just be honest with you. I I don't I'll just be honest with you. I I don't I'll just be honest with you. I I don't say this all the time, but I've got uh say this all the time, but I've got uh say this all the time, but I've got uh I've got a backup stuck in my Bible. you I've got a backup stuck in my Bible. you I've got a backup stuck in my Bible. you know, I I thought, well, this this would know, I I thought, well, this this would know, I I thought, well, this this would go a whole lot better with the way go a whole lot better with the way go a whole lot better with the way things has been going. And uh as the things has been going. And uh as the things has been going. And uh as the more I prayed, the more I just couldn't more I prayed, the more I just couldn't more I prayed, the more I just couldn't shake loose from this. I I actually I I shake loose from this. I I actually I I shake loose from this. I I actually I I prayed, what can I leave uh the people prayed, what can I leave uh the people prayed, what can I leave uh the people of the camp with? What what can I leave of the camp with? What what can I leave of the camp with? What what can I leave the people of God with? And I just I'd the people of God with? And I just I'd the people of God with? And I just I'd like to preach to the church here this like to preach to the church here this like to preach to the church here this morning if the Lord would help me. morning if the Lord would help me. morning if the Lord would help me. Revelation chapter 2, uh we're going to Revelation chapter 2, uh we're going to Revelation chapter 2, uh we're going to begin reading with verse one. But before begin reading with verse one. But before begin reading with verse one. But before I read, boy, I'm I'm so happy to see our I read, boy, I'm I'm so happy to see our I read, boy, I'm I'm so happy to see our brand new sister in Christ over in them brand new sister in Christ over in them brand new sister in Christ over in them polka dots. Hallelujah. Appreciate her polka dots. Hallelujah. Appreciate her polka dots. Hallelujah. Appreciate her for being here. Praise God. All right. for being here. Praise God. All right. for being here. Praise God. All right. Glad that she is in the house of God Glad that she is in the house of God Glad that she is in the house of God with us this morning. Praise God. Amen. with us this morning. Praise God. Amen. with us this morning. Praise God. Amen. Revelation the 2 chapter. This Jesus Revelation the 2 chapter. This Jesus Revelation the 2 chapter. This Jesus speaking speaking speaking unto the angel of the church of Ephesus. unto the angel of the church of Ephesus. unto the angel of the church of Ephesus. Right. These things saith he that Right. These things saith he that Right. These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right holdeth the seven stars in his right holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the hand, who walketh in the midst of the hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. seven golden candlesticks. seven golden candlesticks. I know thy works and thy labor, and thy I know thy works and thy labor, and thy I know thy works and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear patience, and how thou canst not bear patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil. And thou has tried them which are evil. And thou has tried them which are evil. And thou has tried them which say their apostles, and are them which say their apostles, and are them which say their apostles, and are not, and has found them liars, and hast not, and has found them liars, and hast not, and has found them liars, and hast borne, and has patience, and for my borne, and has patience, and for my borne, and has patience, and for my name's sake has labored, and hast not name's sake has labored, and hast not name's sake has labored, and hast not fainted. fainted. fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against Nevertheless, I have somewhat against Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first thee, because thou has left thy first thee, because thou has left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence love. Remember therefore from whence love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the thou art fallen, and repent, and do the thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto first works, or else I will come unto first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy thee quickly, and will remove thy thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except candlestick out of his place, except candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. thou repent. thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the But this thou hast, that thou hatest the But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the nicicoatans, deeds of the nicicoatans, deeds of the nicicoatans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto let him hear what the Spirit saith unto let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcomemeth the churches. To him that overcomemeth the churches. To him that overcomemeth will I give to eat of the tree of life, will I give to eat of the tree of life, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of which is in the midst of the paradise of which is in the midst of the paradise of God. God. God. just [clears throat] about every service just [clears throat] about every service just [clears throat] about every service I've uh read a section of scripture and I've uh read a section of scripture and I've uh read a section of scripture and pointed out what I would consider pointed out what I would consider pointed out what I would consider probably the most uh well read maybe we probably the most uh well read maybe we probably the most uh well read maybe we could say the most popular verse out of could say the most popular verse out of could say the most popular verse out of all of those group of verses and I'm all of those group of verses and I'm all of those group of verses and I'm going to do that again here this morning going to do that again here this morning going to do that again here this morning you know already verse four is probably you know already verse four is probably you know already verse four is probably the most uh well preached of all of the most uh well preached of all of the most uh well preached of all of these scriptures Jesus brought the these scriptures Jesus brought the these scriptures Jesus brought the indictment against the church at Ephesus indictment against the church at Ephesus indictment against the church at Ephesus He's talking to believers. He's talking He's talking to believers. He's talking He's talking to believers. He's talking to He's talking to Christian to He's talking to Christian to He's talking to Christian worshiping, [clears throat] working worshiping, [clears throat] working worshiping, [clears throat] working people of the church. This is what he people of the church. This is what he people of the church. This is what he said. said. said. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because I have somewhat against thee because I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. thou hast left thy first love. thou hast left thy first love. Praise God. I I'd like to speak to us Praise God. I I'd like to speak to us Praise God. I I'd like to speak to us here if the Lord would help me on this here if the Lord would help me on this here if the Lord would help me on this thought. Let's talk about the danger of thought. Let's talk about the danger of thought. Let's talk about the danger of a cold heart. The danger of a cold a cold heart. The danger of a cold a cold heart. The danger of a cold heart. heart. heart. Would you lift your hands and pray and Would you lift your hands and pray and Would you lift your hands and pray and ask the Holy Ghost to meet with us? ask the Holy Ghost to meet with us? ask the Holy Ghost to meet with us? Father, we love you. We honor you for Father, we love you. We honor you for Father, we love you. We honor you for mercy. We thank you, Lord, for your mercy. We thank you, Lord, for your mercy. We thank you, Lord, for your great grace and love. Thank you for your great grace and love. Thank you for your great grace and love. Thank you for your compassion. All the ways that you've compassion. All the ways that you've compassion. All the ways that you've spoke to us through this meeting. spoke to us through this meeting. spoke to us through this meeting. God, you've used Brother Carowway. God, you've used Brother Carowway. God, you've used Brother Carowway. You've used brother Per, oh God, point You've used brother Per, oh God, point You've used brother Per, oh God, point us, provoke us unto good works. Point us us, provoke us unto good works. Point us us, provoke us unto good works. Point us in the right direction. in the right direction. in the right direction. Help us. Use us here this morning, Lord, Help us. Use us here this morning, Lord, Help us. Use us here this morning, Lord, in this service. in this service. in this service. Touch our hearts together. Give us an Touch our hearts together. Give us an Touch our hearts together. Give us an ear to hear what the spirit saith unto ear to hear what the spirit saith unto ear to hear what the spirit saith unto the churches. Give us a heart that's the churches. Give us a heart that's the churches. Give us a heart that's obedient to you. Send us revival, Lord, obedient to you. Send us revival, Lord, obedient to you. Send us revival, Lord, in this hour in Jesus name. Church said, in this hour in Jesus name. Church said, in this hour in Jesus name. Church said, "Amen." Shake your neighbor's hand. and "Amen." Shake your neighbor's hand. and "Amen." Shake your neighbor's hand. and welcome them to a holiness meeting. welcome them to a holiness meeting. welcome them to a holiness meeting. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Hallelujah. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee. This is the indictment. thee. This is the indictment. thee. This is the indictment. Because thou hast left thy first love. Because thou hast left thy first love. Because thou hast left thy first love. Uh, like you, I've heard a lot of Uh, like you, I've heard a lot of Uh, like you, I've heard a lot of people, a lot of teachers in Sunday people, a lot of teachers in Sunday people, a lot of teachers in Sunday school, a lot of preachers that get school, a lot of preachers that get school, a lot of preachers that get excited, people that testify about this excited, people that testify about this excited, people that testify about this portion of scripture that get excited. portion of scripture that get excited. portion of scripture that get excited. They misquote it. They say, "Thou hast They misquote it. They say, "Thou hast They misquote it. They say, "Thou hast lost thy first love." But that's not the lost thy first love." But that's not the lost thy first love." But that's not the wording of the Bible. And I don't want wording of the Bible. And I don't want wording of the Bible. And I don't want to be a stickler, you know, but uh the to be a stickler, you know, but uh the to be a stickler, you know, but uh the Bible did not say you've lost your first Bible did not say you've lost your first Bible did not say you've lost your first love. It said, "Thou hast left thy first love. It said, "Thou hast left thy first love. It said, "Thou hast left thy first love." When you lose something, it's an love." When you lose something, it's an love." When you lose something, it's an accident. It's always on accident when accident. It's always on accident when accident. It's always on accident when something is lost. But Ephesus did not something is lost. But Ephesus did not something is lost. But Ephesus did not accidentally lose their walk with accidentally lose their walk with accidentally lose their walk with Christ. It was no accident that happened Christ. It was no accident that happened Christ. It was no accident that happened in the hearts of the people of the in the hearts of the people of the in the hearts of the people of the church at Ephesus. Amen. That brought church at Ephesus. Amen. That brought church at Ephesus. Amen. That brought this indictment down from the portals of this indictment down from the portals of this indictment down from the portals of glory. It was on purpose. When you leave glory. It was on purpose. When you leave glory. It was on purpose. When you leave something, you make a conscious effort. something, you make a conscious effort. something, you make a conscious effort. You make a conscious choice to turn and You make a conscious choice to turn and You make a conscious choice to turn and walk away from whatever that something walk away from whatever that something walk away from whatever that something is and you leave it. When I looked it up is and you leave it. When I looked it up is and you leave it. When I looked it up in the Greek, I wanted to understand in the Greek, I wanted to understand in the Greek, I wanted to understand exactly what he was saying. What did he exactly what he was saying. What did he exactly what he was saying. What did he mean when he said, "Thou hast left thy mean when he said, "Thou hast left thy mean when he said, "Thou hast left thy first love." One man said it means to first love." One man said it means to first love." One man said it means to send away. Literally to put away, as in send away. Literally to put away, as in send away. Literally to put away, as in a husband writing a bill of divorcement a husband writing a bill of divorcement a husband writing a bill of divorcement to his wife. To send away, to put away, to his wife. To send away, to put away, to his wife. To send away, to put away, to depart from. It means to let go. It to depart from. It means to let go. It to depart from. It means to let go. It means to let alone, to disregard, it means to let alone, to disregard, it means to let alone, to disregard, it means to neglect. It means to leave or means to neglect. It means to leave or means to neglect. It means to leave or to desert. Ephesus, amen, had sent their to desert. Ephesus, amen, had sent their to desert. Ephesus, amen, had sent their first love away from them. They had first love away from them. They had first love away from them. They had literally in their heart uh written a literally in their heart uh written a literally in their heart uh written a bill of divorcement to the very lover of bill of divorcement to the very lover of bill of divorcement to the very lover of their soul. They had let go their their soul. They had let go their their soul. They had let go their relationship with King Jesus. Amen. They relationship with King Jesus. Amen. They relationship with King Jesus. Amen. They had began to disregard had began to disregard had began to disregard or neglect their walk with Christ. It or neglect their walk with Christ. It or neglect their walk with Christ. It sounds odd, doesn't it? When you read sounds odd, doesn't it? When you read sounds odd, doesn't it? When you read not only the Amen, the condemnation that not only the Amen, the condemnation that not only the Amen, the condemnation that he wrote to them in verse four, but he wrote to them in verse four, but he wrote to them in verse four, but before he condemned them, he commended before he condemned them, he commended before he condemned them, he commended them. Amen. He wrote to them. Amen. I them. Amen. He wrote to them. Amen. I them. Amen. He wrote to them. Amen. I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy know thy works, and thy labor, and thy know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear patience, and how thou canst not bear patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil. And thou hast tried them which are evil. And thou hast tried them which are evil. And thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and them which say they are apostles, and them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars, and are not, and has found them liars, and are not, and has found them liars, and hast borne, and has patience, and for my hast borne, and has patience, and for my hast borne, and has patience, and for my name's sake has labored, and has not name's sake has labored, and has not name's sake has labored, and has not fainted. Hallelujah. If we would have fainted. Hallelujah. If we would have fainted. Hallelujah. If we would have stopped in those first three verses, if stopped in those first three verses, if stopped in those first three verses, if we would have come to the conclusion at we would have come to the conclusion at we would have come to the conclusion at the end of verse three, Amen. Ephesus the end of verse three, Amen. Ephesus the end of verse three, Amen. Ephesus looked like a holiness church. Looked looked like a holiness church. Looked looked like a holiness church. Looked like a church that was up on the firing like a church that was up on the firing like a church that was up on the firing line. Oh, but listen to me. Ephesus was line. Oh, but listen to me. Ephesus was line. Oh, but listen to me. Ephesus was busy. Oh yes, but they were barren in busy. Oh yes, but they were barren in busy. Oh yes, but they were barren in their relationship with Christ. Their their relationship with Christ. Their their relationship with Christ. Their devotion had became routine and devotion had became routine and devotion had became routine and automated. Their heart had drifted away automated. Their heart had drifted away automated. Their heart had drifted away from Christ. They were going through the from Christ. They were going through the from Christ. They were going through the motions of religion or religiosity. motions of religion or religiosity. motions of religion or religiosity. Amen. But there was no zeal. There was Amen. But there was no zeal. There was Amen. But there was no zeal. There was no fire burning inside of them. There no fire burning inside of them. There no fire burning inside of them. There was no love that anchored them to the was no love that anchored them to the was no love that anchored them to the person of King Jesus. Amen. service for person of King Jesus. Amen. service for person of King Jesus. Amen. service for the kingdom had replaced surrender to the kingdom had replaced surrender to the kingdom had replaced surrender to the king. Amen. In the church at Ephesus the king. Amen. In the church at Ephesus the king. Amen. In the church at Ephesus and their light was about to go out. Did and their light was about to go out. Did and their light was about to go out. Did you hear what Jesus said? He said, you hear what Jesus said? He said, you hear what Jesus said? He said, "Except thou repent, I will come upon "Except thou repent, I will come upon "Except thou repent, I will come upon thee quickly and remove thy candlestick thee quickly and remove thy candlestick thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of his place." I'll tell you out of his place." I'll tell you out of his place." I'll tell you something, folks. When any church gets something, folks. When any church gets something, folks. When any church gets to the place where there's religion but to the place where there's religion but to the place where there's religion but no relationship, no relationship, no relationship, it won't be long until the Lord of the it won't be long until the Lord of the it won't be long until the Lord of the church comes around and turns a light church comes around and turns a light church comes around and turns a light out [screaming] in that place. Come on out [screaming] in that place. Come on out [screaming] in that place. Come on and help me. Uh in any church, amen, and help me. Uh in any church, amen, and help me. Uh in any church, amen, that begins to drift further and further that begins to drift further and further that begins to drift further and further away from Christ, he will not abide with away from Christ, he will not abide with away from Christ, he will not abide with that church for very much longer. that church for very much longer. that church for very much longer. They had grown cold. Amen. In their walk They had grown cold. Amen. In their walk They had grown cold. Amen. In their walk with Christ. Amen. I read a quote that I with Christ. Amen. I read a quote that I with Christ. Amen. I read a quote that I I really like some time ago. I wrote it I really like some time ago. I wrote it I really like some time ago. I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget it. I'm not down so I wouldn't forget it. I'm not down so I wouldn't forget it. I'm not normally in the habit of quoting Billy normally in the habit of quoting Billy normally in the habit of quoting Billy Graham. Uh Billy Graham and I does did Graham. Uh Billy Graham and I does did Graham. Uh Billy Graham and I does did not agree does not agree on everything not agree does not agree on everything not agree does not agree on everything that there is concerning the word of God that there is concerning the word of God that there is concerning the word of God and the kingdom of God. But Billy Graham and the kingdom of God. But Billy Graham and the kingdom of God. But Billy Graham said this, and I agree 100%. He said, said this, and I agree 100%. He said, said this, and I agree 100%. He said, "The Christian life is not a one-time "The Christian life is not a one-time "The Christian life is not a one-time decision. It's a daily walk. If you decision. It's a daily walk. If you decision. It's a daily walk. If you neglect prayer and the word of God, your neglect prayer and the word of God, your neglect prayer and the word of God, your heart will inevitably begin to grow cold heart will inevitably begin to grow cold heart will inevitably begin to grow cold toward the things of God." Hallelujah. toward the things of God." Hallelujah. toward the things of God." Hallelujah. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Oh, I'm happy that our sister, Listen. Oh, I'm happy that our sister, Listen. Oh, I'm happy that our sister, Listen. Amen. I'm happy that you got saved last Amen. I'm happy that you got saved last Amen. I'm happy that you got saved last night. I'm rejoicing in the Lord with night. I'm rejoicing in the Lord with night. I'm rejoicing in the Lord with you. Now you begin a journey. You're you. Now you begin a journey. You're you. Now you begin a journey. You're just a little baby in Christ. But learn just a little baby in Christ. But learn just a little baby in Christ. But learn how to pray. Learn how to read and study how to pray. Learn how to read and study how to pray. Learn how to read and study the Bible. Uh listen to the things that the Bible. Uh listen to the things that the Bible. Uh listen to the things that the pastor in the church teaches and try the pastor in the church teaches and try the pastor in the church teaches and try to apply them and put them into practice to apply them and put them into practice to apply them and put them into practice in your life. I'll tell you something, in your life. I'll tell you something, in your life. I'll tell you something, folks. I think this is just Brother folks. I think this is just Brother folks. I think this is just Brother Teague's opinion. I know you didn't come Teague's opinion. I know you didn't come Teague's opinion. I know you didn't come uh to hear that, but I tell you what I uh to hear that, but I tell you what I uh to hear that, but I tell you what I think about it. I think uh Amen. If think about it. I think uh Amen. If think about it. I think uh Amen. If you're going to make it, you're going to you're going to make it, you're going to you're going to make it, you're going to have to practice prayer. Prayer must have to practice prayer. Prayer must have to practice prayer. Prayer must have a priority and your walk with have a priority and your walk with have a priority and your walk with Christ, a communication line between us Christ, a communication line between us Christ, a communication line between us and him must stay open, unclog, clear. and him must stay open, unclog, clear. and him must stay open, unclog, clear. Amen. In transmission. Come on now. Amen. In transmission. Come on now. Amen. In transmission. Come on now. Amen. You can make it, sisterh, if Amen. You can make it, sisterh, if Amen. You can make it, sisterh, if you'll pray. If you pray, you can stay. you'll pray. If you pray, you can stay. you'll pray. If you pray, you can stay. Praise God. Ain't that how it works? No Praise God. Ain't that how it works? No Praise God. Ain't that how it works? No pray, no stay. pray, no stay. pray, no stay. Praise God. Ephesus was busy. They were Praise God. Ephesus was busy. They were Praise God. Ephesus was busy. They were going through the motions of religion. going through the motions of religion. going through the motions of religion. They were performing religious They were performing religious They were performing religious exercises. Amen. Like so many seem to be exercises. Amen. Like so many seem to be exercises. Amen. Like so many seem to be doing in our generation. Oh, just bear doing in our generation. Oh, just bear doing in our generation. Oh, just bear with me. I'd like to preach my heart to with me. I'd like to preach my heart to with me. I'd like to preach my heart to you for a little while here this you for a little while here this you for a little while here this morning. Thou hast left thy first love. morning. Thou hast left thy first love. morning. Thou hast left thy first love. You have divorced me. You have neglected You have divorced me. You have neglected You have divorced me. You have neglected me. You have turned and walked away from me. You have turned and walked away from me. You have turned and walked away from me. You have be to disregard me. The me. You have be to disregard me. The me. You have be to disregard me. The Bible has a term that we often use. That Bible has a term that we often use. That Bible has a term that we often use. That term is backsliding term is backsliding term is backsliding or backsliding. Come on now. The Bible or backsliding. Come on now. The Bible or backsliding. Come on now. The Bible uses that term backsliding to describe a uses that term backsliding to describe a uses that term backsliding to describe a heart or a group of people. [laughter] heart or a group of people. [laughter] heart or a group of people. [laughter] Amen. that begin to turn away uh from Amen. that begin to turn away uh from Amen. that begin to turn away uh from their first love experience with the their first love experience with the their first love experience with the Savior. Hey. And one of the most Savior. Hey. And one of the most Savior. Hey. And one of the most dangerous things about allowing our dangerous things about allowing our dangerous things about allowing our heart to grow cold and entering into heart to grow cold and entering into heart to grow cold and entering into that backsliding condition, backsliding that backsliding condition, backsliding that backsliding condition, backsliding can be so subtle. Amen. I'm telling you, can be so subtle. Amen. I'm telling you, can be so subtle. Amen. I'm telling you, it can happen so subtly, amen, that a it can happen so subtly, amen, that a it can happen so subtly, amen, that a person may not even realize it's person may not even realize it's person may not even realize it's happening until they look up and see how happening until they look up and see how happening until they look up and see how far away they've drifted away from God. far away they've drifted away from God. far away they've drifted away from God. All you have to do All you have to do All you have to do backslide is quit praying. Quit being backslide is quit praying. Quit being backslide is quit praying. Quit being faithful to Christ, lose interest in the faithful to Christ, lose interest in the faithful to Christ, lose interest in the things of God. Come on now. It's like things of God. Come on now. It's like things of God. Come on now. It's like Graham said, inevitably your heart will Graham said, inevitably your heart will Graham said, inevitably your heart will begin to grow cold. [screaming] begin to grow cold. [screaming] begin to grow cold. [screaming] Oh God, the back possibility of a Oh God, the back possibility of a Oh God, the back possibility of a backsliding heart. It's a sobering backsliding heart. It's a sobering backsliding heart. It's a sobering thought, isn't it? Just to think that a thought, isn't it? Just to think that a thought, isn't it? Just to think that a man or a woman's heart doesn't always man or a woman's heart doesn't always man or a woman's heart doesn't always agree with their actions and deeds. That agree with their actions and deeds. That agree with their actions and deeds. That ought to make all of us shut up and pay ought to make all of us shut up and pay ought to make all of us shut up and pay close attention. You can have on the close attention. You can have on the close attention. You can have on the uniform. Amen. I'm a uniform preacher. uniform. Amen. I'm a uniform preacher. uniform. Amen. I'm a uniform preacher. Had a man call me many years ago. Amen. Had a man call me many years ago. Amen. Had a man call me many years ago. Amen. Had got a cassette tape somewhere along Had got a cassette tape somewhere along Had got a cassette tape somewhere along the line back in the old cassette tape the line back in the old cassette tape the line back in the old cassette tape days. Hallelujah. And uh he called got days. Hallelujah. And uh he called got days. Hallelujah. And uh he called got my number from somebody said, "Brother my number from somebody said, "Brother my number from somebody said, "Brother Tig want want I've heard you tape heard Tig want want I've heard you tape heard Tig want want I've heard you tape heard you preach on a tape and I want you to you preach on a tape and I want you to you preach on a tape and I want you to come preach for us at our church." Said, come preach for us at our church." Said, come preach for us at our church." Said, "I've called brother so and so and I've "I've called brother so and so and I've "I've called brother so and so and I've called this brother that brethren." called this brother that brethren." called this brother that brethren." Amen. Said, "Uh, I want you to come." I Amen. Said, "Uh, I want you to come." I Amen. Said, "Uh, I want you to come." I said, "Sure." And we began to look said, "Sure." And we began to look said, "Sure." And we began to look through the calendar. And while we was through the calendar. And while we was through the calendar. And while we was trying to settle on a date, he said just trying to settle on a date, he said just trying to settle on a date, he said just before we pinned something down, he before we pinned something down, he before we pinned something down, he said, "I got to ask you about said, "I got to ask you about said, "I got to ask you about something." I said, "Yes, sir." Usually something." I said, "Yes, sir." Usually something." I said, "Yes, sir." Usually I say, "Oh, no." You know, here it I say, "Oh, no." You know, here it I say, "Oh, no." You know, here it comes. Hallelujah. And because I've been comes. Hallelujah. And because I've been comes. Hallelujah. And because I've been asked all kind of things. And the asked all kind of things. And the asked all kind of things. And the gentleman said, "Amen." And he said, gentleman said, "Amen." And he said, gentleman said, "Amen." And he said, "Uh, I do want you to come." He said, "Uh, I do want you to come." He said, "Uh, I do want you to come." He said, "But folks, some folks, some people are "But folks, some folks, some people are "But folks, some folks, some people are telling me, you got to be careful with telling me, you got to be careful with telling me, you got to be careful with Brother Teague. He likes to preach on Brother Teague. He likes to preach on Brother Teague. He likes to preach on things. things. things. He said, "Do you do you preach on He said, "Do you do you preach on He said, "Do you do you preach on things?" things?" things?" Kind of took me back. Kind of took me back. Kind of took me back. I said, "Uh, yes, sir. I reckon I do I said, "Uh, yes, sir. I reckon I do I said, "Uh, yes, sir. I reckon I do some sometimes just according what kind some sometimes just according what kind some sometimes just according what kind of things we're talking about." of things we're talking about." of things we're talking about." [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] Every preacher ought to preach on things Every preacher ought to preach on things Every preacher ought to preach on things every once in a while. Ain't that right? every once in a while. Ain't that right? every once in a while. Ain't that right? Huh? Amen. I'm a I'm a uniform preacher. Huh? Amen. I'm a I'm a uniform preacher. Huh? Amen. I'm a I'm a uniform preacher. I think if you're going to be a I think if you're going to be a I think if you're going to be a Christian, you ought to wear a Christ Christian, you ought to wear a Christ Christian, you ought to wear a Christ uniform. You can't go to work at UPS and uniform. You can't go to work at UPS and uniform. You can't go to work at UPS and show up in a FedEx uniform. You can't go show up in a FedEx uniform. You can't go show up in a FedEx uniform. You can't go to work at McDonald's and show up in a to work at McDonald's and show up in a to work at McDonald's and show up in a Burger King uniform. They'll escort you Burger King uniform. They'll escort you Burger King uniform. They'll escort you to the door. Come on now. If you're to the door. Come on now. If you're to the door. Come on now. If you're going to be a soldier in the army of going to be a soldier in the army of going to be a soldier in the army of God, then uh uh listen, our God, then uh uh listen, our God, then uh uh listen, our commanderin-chief commanderin-chief commanderin-chief has got a uniform that we ought to put has got a uniform that we ought to put has got a uniform that we ought to put on. I think y'all to look like a on. I think y'all to look like a on. I think y'all to look like a Christian. You ought to dress like a Christian. You ought to dress like a Christian. You ought to dress like a Christian. When folks in town see you, Christian. When folks in town see you, Christian. When folks in town see you, there ought to be something different there ought to be something different there ought to be something different about you than [screaming] everybody about you than [screaming] everybody about you than [screaming] everybody else around. else around. else around. That's right. I believe in that. But That's right. I believe in that. But That's right. I believe in that. But Ephesus had it and they were still Ephesus had it and they were still Ephesus had it and they were still backslid away from God. Oh, that a man's backslid away from God. Oh, that a man's backslid away from God. Oh, that a man's heart doesn't revival. heart doesn't revival. heart doesn't revival. Oh, wait. No, I didn't get that revival. Oh, wait. No, I didn't get that revival. Oh, wait. No, I didn't get that revival. Hallelujah. But you still letting me Hallelujah. But you still letting me Hallelujah. But you still letting me come preach for you. Hallelujah. Praise come preach for you. Hallelujah. Praise come preach for you. Hallelujah. Praise God. Just a thank Amen. that our actions God. Just a thank Amen. that our actions God. Just a thank Amen. that our actions doesn't always agree with the condition doesn't always agree with the condition doesn't always agree with the condition of our heart. A man or a woman's habits of our heart. A man or a woman's habits of our heart. A man or a woman's habits or lifestyle, their routine may continue or lifestyle, their routine may continue or lifestyle, their routine may continue on along a certain pattern long after on along a certain pattern long after on along a certain pattern long after their heart has ceased to be in it. their heart has ceased to be in it. their heart has ceased to be in it. Amen. Listen, that's what happened at Amen. Listen, that's what happened at Amen. Listen, that's what happened at Ephesus. They were going through the Ephesus. They were going through the Ephesus. They were going through the motions to appear to be righteous, but motions to appear to be righteous, but motions to appear to be righteous, but their hearts were completely their hearts were completely their hearts were completely disconnected from the presence of God. disconnected from the presence of God. disconnected from the presence of God. Repeatedly the scripture gives us Repeatedly the scripture gives us Repeatedly the scripture gives us warning of a possibility of a warning of a possibility of a warning of a possibility of a backsliding that begins in our heart. backsliding that begins in our heart. backsliding that begins in our heart. Even though we may continue uh to give Even though we may continue uh to give Even though we may continue uh to give the Lord a parent lit service uh or the Lord a parent lit service uh or the Lord a parent lit service uh or service with our bodies uh it is a service with our bodies uh it is a service with our bodies uh it is a possibility uh to go through all the possibility uh to go through all the possibility uh to go through all the rituals to keep all the traditions to rituals to keep all the traditions to rituals to keep all the traditions to wear the right uniform and still have a wear the right uniform and still have a wear the right uniform and still have a cold heart and be backslid on God. cold heart and be backslid on God. cold heart and be backslid on God. Oh, I wish you'd help me while I preach Oh, I wish you'd help me while I preach Oh, I wish you'd help me while I preach to you here. to you here. to you here. Oh God. Amen. Isaiah saw it, his Oh God. Amen. Isaiah saw it, his Oh God. Amen. Isaiah saw it, his generation. Isaiah 29:13, generation. Isaiah 29:13, generation. Isaiah 29:13, "Wherefore the Lord said, for as much as "Wherefore the Lord said, for as much as "Wherefore the Lord said, for as much as this people draw near me with their this people draw near me with their this people draw near me with their mouth and with their lips do honor me, mouth and with their lips do honor me, mouth and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from but have removed their heart far from but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught me, and their fear toward me is taught me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." Oh God, he said, by the precept of men." Oh God, he said, by the precept of men." Oh God, he said, "They're honoring me with their mouth. "They're honoring me with their mouth. "They're honoring me with their mouth. They're drawing near with their mouth. They're drawing near with their mouth. They're drawing near with their mouth. They're honoring me with their lips, but They're honoring me with their lips, but They're honoring me with their lips, but they have removed their heart far from they have removed their heart far from they have removed their heart far from me. Nevertheless, me. Nevertheless, me. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because I have somewhat against thee, because I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Did you thou hast left thy first love. Did you thou hast left thy first love. Did you hear what Isaiah said? He said, "Their hear what Isaiah said? He said, "Their hear what Isaiah said? He said, "Their fear toward me is taught by the precept fear toward me is taught by the precept fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." of men." of men." Amen. Amen. Amen. We have come to a place among holiness We have come to a place among holiness We have come to a place among holiness people. people. people. You, God, help me right here. When you no longer have to be right, as When you no longer have to be right, as long as you look right, long as you look right, long as you look right, you'll be accepted among us. you'll be accepted among us. you'll be accepted among us. All right. All right. All right. Oh, God. I'm looking for that power Oh, God. I'm looking for that power Oh, God. I'm looking for that power these brothers have been talking about. these brothers have been talking about. these brothers have been talking about. That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking That's what I'm looking for. I'm looking for that power. And I know, Amen. When for that power. And I know, Amen. When for that power. And I know, Amen. When you get right, eventually you going to you get right, eventually you going to you get right, eventually you going to start looking right. Come on, say amen. start looking right. Come on, say amen. start looking right. Come on, say amen. cuz he'll put a seed down in your heart cuz he'll put a seed down in your heart cuz he'll put a seed down in your heart that will begin to grow. The power of that will begin to grow. The power of that will begin to grow. The power of the gospel will begin to transform you the gospel will begin to transform you the gospel will begin to transform you inside and out. Come on, say amen. inside and out. Come on, say amen. inside and out. Come on, say amen. Didn't he tell Noah to pitch that ark on Didn't he tell Noah to pitch that ark on Didn't he tell Noah to pitch that ark on the inside [screaming] and on the the inside [screaming] and on the the inside [screaming] and on the outside? Come on here. Amen. Both of outside? Come on here. Amen. Both of outside? Come on here. Amen. Both of them's necessary. I know the scripture them's necessary. I know the scripture them's necessary. I know the scripture they use, some of them use. Amen. Over they use, some of them use. Amen. Over they use, some of them use. Amen. Over yonder to where Samuel was looking for yonder to where Samuel was looking for yonder to where Samuel was looking for the next king. Amen. And God told him the next king. Amen. And God told him the next king. Amen. And God told him that man lookth on the outward that man lookth on the outward that man lookth on the outward appearance, but God lookketh on the appearance, but God lookketh on the appearance, but God lookketh on the heart. I'll tell you something, sir. heart. I'll tell you something, sir. heart. I'll tell you something, sir. That's right. But don't leave out the That's right. But don't leave out the That's right. But don't leave out the first part. That doesn't mean God is first part. That doesn't mean God is first part. That doesn't mean God is unconcerned about the outward man or the unconcerned about the outward man or the unconcerned about the outward man or the outward appearance because the emphasis outward appearance because the emphasis outward appearance because the emphasis was put. Man lookth on the outward was put. Man lookth on the outward was put. Man lookth on the outward appearance. That's why he can make us appearance. That's why he can make us appearance. That's why he can make us the light of the world. A city on a hill the light of the world. A city on a hill the light of the world. A city on a hill that [screaming] cannot be healed that [screaming] cannot be healed that [screaming] cannot be healed because people's looking at us. because people's looking at us. because people's looking at us. Men can't see your heart, Men can't see your heart, Men can't see your heart, but they can sure enough see that but they can sure enough see that but they can sure enough see that uniform. uniform. uniform. That's right. That's right. That's right. But if you going to wear the uniform, But if you going to wear the uniform, But if you going to wear the uniform, you better get your heart right. you better get your heart right. you better get your heart right. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Amen. Listen, I wondered what it meant. Amen. Listen, I wondered what it meant. Amen. Listen, I wondered what it meant. Amen. Their fear toward me is taught by Amen. Their fear toward me is taught by Amen. Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. In Isaiah 29 and13, the precept of men. In Isaiah 29 and13, the precept of men. In Isaiah 29 and13, the precept of men is nothing more than the precept of men is nothing more than the precept of men is nothing more than a hollow, empty, superficial religion. a hollow, empty, superficial religion. a hollow, empty, superficial religion. That's what Ephesus had in Ephesians That's what Ephesus had in Ephesians That's what Ephesus had in Ephesians chapter 2. A hollow, empty, superficial chapter 2. A hollow, empty, superficial chapter 2. A hollow, empty, superficial religion. It wasn't any deeper than skin religion. It wasn't any deeper than skin religion. It wasn't any deeper than skin deep. Amen. They were, Amen. acting out deep. Amen. They were, Amen. acting out deep. Amen. They were, Amen. acting out religious ritual with no real connection religious ritual with no real connection religious ritual with no real connection to Christ. He said, "Their fear toward to Christ. He said, "Their fear toward to Christ. He said, "Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men, me is taught by the precept of men, me is taught by the precept of men, man-made rules, handed down traditions, man-made rules, handed down traditions, man-made rules, handed down traditions, societal pressure rather than a genuine, societal pressure rather than a genuine, societal pressure rather than a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God." Come heartfelt relationship with God." Come heartfelt relationship with God." Come on now. I tell you something, folks. I'm on now. I tell you something, folks. I'm on now. I tell you something, folks. I'm not for us being worldly. I've already not for us being worldly. I've already not for us being worldly. I've already told you over and over, I'm striving to told you over and over, I'm striving to told you over and over, I'm striving to be a holiness preacher. We we've be a holiness preacher. We we've be a holiness preacher. We we've declared here. I believe in the uniform. declared here. I believe in the uniform. declared here. I believe in the uniform. If you're going to name the name of If you're going to name the name of If you're going to name the name of Christ, depart from iniquity, live Christ, depart from iniquity, live Christ, depart from iniquity, live right, walk right, think right, speak right, walk right, think right, speak right, walk right, think right, speak right. Come on, say amen. Do all you can right. Come on, say amen. Do all you can right. Come on, say amen. Do all you can to bring him glory. to bring him glory. to bring him glory. But you cannot afford But you cannot afford But you cannot afford to get puffed up in all that you're to get puffed up in all that you're to get puffed up in all that you're doing doing doing and lose out on your relationship with and lose out on your relationship with and lose out on your relationship with him. him. him. Oh God. Oh God. Them mornings when I get Oh God. Oh God. Them mornings when I get Oh God. Oh God. Them mornings when I get down on my face and I get to praying, down on my face and I get to praying, down on my face and I get to praying, talking to God, just me right by myself. talking to God, just me right by myself. talking to God, just me right by myself. Oh them mornings when I get up and I Oh them mornings when I get up and I Oh them mornings when I get up and I open my Bible. I try to make it a open my Bible. I try to make it a open my Bible. I try to make it a practice. Sister Tig and I first thing practice. Sister Tig and I first thing practice. Sister Tig and I first thing usually we don't even speak very many usually we don't even speak very many usually we don't even speak very many words if any to one another. We get words if any to one another. We get words if any to one another. We get directly up. go right into our morning directly up. go right into our morning directly up. go right into our morning devotion and we're trying our best to devotion and we're trying our best to devotion and we're trying our best to make Christ the first most important make Christ the first most important make Christ the first most important part of our day. Hallelujah. But that'll part of our day. Hallelujah. But that'll part of our day. Hallelujah. But that'll be null and void if my heart is not be null and void if my heart is not be null and void if my heart is not connected to him. If my heart is not connected to him. If my heart is not connected to him. If my heart is not where it needs to be with God. Listen to where it needs to be with God. Listen to where it needs to be with God. Listen to me. Oh, I don't want to be like that me. Oh, I don't want to be like that me. Oh, I don't want to be like that generation Ezekiel was preaching to in generation Ezekiel was preaching to in generation Ezekiel was preaching to in Ezekiel 33 and 31. God said, "And they Ezekiel 33 and 31. God said, "And they Ezekiel 33 and 31. God said, "And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and come unto thee as the people cometh, and come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they sit before thee as my people, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy [screaming] words, but they hear thy [screaming] words, but they hear thy [screaming] words, but they will not do them. For with their they will not do them. For with their they will not do them. For with their mouth they show much love, but their mouth they show much love, but their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. heart goeth after their covetousness. heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo, thou [screaming] art unto them And lo, thou [screaming] art unto them And lo, thou [screaming] art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a as a very lovely song of one that hath a as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an pleasant voice, and can play well on an pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. For they hear thy words, but instrument. For they hear thy words, but instrument. For they hear thy words, but they will not do them. Come on now. I'm they will not do them. Come on now. I'm they will not do them. Come on now. I'm tell you something. Brother Puler's tell you something. Brother Puler's tell you something. Brother Puler's already mentioned it. I have the style already mentioned it. I have the style already mentioned it. I have the style of preaching that I prefer. I like them of preaching that I prefer. I like them of preaching that I prefer. I like them to scream and holler, hat and sweat. to scream and holler, hat and sweat. to scream and holler, hat and sweat. Amen. Come on. Stomp their feet and Amen. Come on. Stomp their feet and Amen. Come on. Stomp their feet and shake their leg every once in a while. shake their leg every once in a while. shake their leg every once in a while. Shout amen. Praise God. That's the kind Shout amen. Praise God. That's the kind Shout amen. Praise God. That's the kind I like. Oh, but you hear me. Amen. That I like. Oh, but you hear me. Amen. That I like. Oh, but you hear me. Amen. That kind of preaching will not move me. If I kind of preaching will not move me. If I kind of preaching will not move me. If I don't open my heart and allow it to don't open my heart and allow it to don't open my heart and allow it to bring me to Christ, I cannot afford to bring me to Christ, I cannot afford to bring me to Christ, I cannot afford to allow the preaching of the preacher to allow the preaching of the preacher to allow the preaching of the preacher to become a performer or an entertainer become a performer or an entertainer become a performer or an entertainer like one that's singing a pretty song. like one that's singing a pretty song. like one that's singing a pretty song. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, I've got to do what they're saying do. I've got to do what they're saying do. I've got to do what they're saying do. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. This backsliding that took Praise God. This backsliding that took Praise God. This backsliding that took place at Ephesus began in the depths of place at Ephesus began in the depths of place at Ephesus began in the depths of their heart. Hebrews 13 and 12 warns us. their heart. Hebrews 13 and 12 warns us. their heart. Hebrews 13 and 12 warns us. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in Take heed, brethren, lest there be in Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. The departing from the living God. The departing from the living God. The proverb writer exhorted us in Proverbs proverb writer exhorted us in Proverbs proverb writer exhorted us in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues diligence, for out of it are the issues diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Amen. Again, like the church of life." Amen. Again, like the church of life." Amen. Again, like the church at Ephesus, it's easy to maintain an at Ephesus, it's easy to maintain an at Ephesus, it's easy to maintain an outward churches standard. Works, labor, outward churches standard. Works, labor, outward churches standard. Works, labor, patience cannot bear them that are evil. patience cannot bear them that are evil. patience cannot bear them that are evil. A uncovering lying preachers discovering A uncovering lying preachers discovering A uncovering lying preachers discovering false prophets. Amen. Patience not false prophets. Amen. Patience not false prophets. Amen. Patience not fainted, born. And we've done it all in fainted, born. And we've done it all in fainted, born. And we've done it all in Jesus' name or for his sake. But if Jesus' name or for his sake. But if Jesus' name or for his sake. But if we're not careful, we'll set through we're not careful, we'll set through we're not careful, we'll set through this camp meeting and we'll set through this camp meeting and we'll set through this camp meeting and we'll set through the next Sunday and the Sunday after the next Sunday and the Sunday after the next Sunday and the Sunday after that and the days tick by if we're not that and the days tick by if we're not that and the days tick by if we're not careful inwardly in our heart. We're as careful inwardly in our heart. We're as careful inwardly in our heart. We're as far away from God as we ever have been far away from God as we ever have been far away from God as we ever have been before. It's not enough to come and before. It's not enough to come and before. It's not enough to come and gather and listen and clap and say how gather and listen and clap and say how gather and listen and clap and say how much you enjoy it. You got to put it much you enjoy it. You got to put it much you enjoy it. You got to put it into practice in your everyday living into practice in your everyday living into practice in your everyday living when nobody's looking. You got to learn when nobody's looking. You got to learn when nobody's looking. You got to learn to live the word. to live the word. to live the word. Oh, lift your hands. Ask the Lord to Oh, lift your hands. Ask the Lord to Oh, lift your hands. Ask the Lord to help us. Oh, God. I hope I'm not out to help us. Oh, God. I hope I'm not out to help us. Oh, God. I hope I'm not out to stay up here. Well, I want to be a part stay up here. Well, I want to be a part stay up here. Well, I want to be a part of this. Amen. I was reminded when God of this. Amen. I was reminded when God of this. Amen. I was reminded when God was dealing with me about this. the was dealing with me about this. the was dealing with me about this. the early days of my salvation, that early days of my salvation, that early days of my salvation, that relationship with him that was brand relationship with him that was brand relationship with him that was brand new, that love connection, that daily new, that love connection, that daily new, that love connection, that daily communion that I achd for. I longed uh communion that I achd for. I longed uh communion that I achd for. I longed uh for that daily communion. Those of us for that daily communion. Those of us for that daily communion. Those of us that have been saved a little while, that have been saved a little while, that have been saved a little while, we've got to guard our heart and keep it we've got to guard our heart and keep it we've got to guard our heart and keep it with all diligence. We've got to be sure with all diligence. We've got to be sure with all diligence. We've got to be sure we don't become religious the way that we don't become religious the way that we don't become religious the way that Ephesus was, but lose or or or leave our Ephesus was, but lose or or or leave our Ephesus was, but lose or or or leave our first love. Hallelujah. At relationship first love. Hallelujah. At relationship first love. Hallelujah. At relationship with him, I can remember in the early with him, I can remember in the early with him, I can remember in the early days. Amen. When I had the craving, days. Amen. When I had the craving, days. Amen. When I had the craving, amen, a desire for his nearness, a amen, a desire for his nearness, a amen, a desire for his nearness, a hunger and a thirst for his presence. hunger and a thirst for his presence. hunger and a thirst for his presence. Amen. A passion for his touch. Hey, Amen. A passion for his touch. Hey, Amen. A passion for his touch. Hey, listen. When I first got saved, I'd have listen. When I first got saved, I'd have listen. When I first got saved, I'd have never showed up to church late. I wanted never showed up to church late. I wanted never showed up to church late. I wanted to get there and get in the prayer room. to get there and get in the prayer room. to get there and get in the prayer room. It seemed to me like that place was the It seemed to me like that place was the It seemed to me like that place was the firebox. That's where the holy heat was firebox. That's where the holy heat was firebox. That's where the holy heat was being produced. I didn't know how to being produced. I didn't know how to being produced. I didn't know how to pray. But I just liked what I felt when pray. But I just liked what I felt when pray. But I just liked what I felt when I was in [screaming] there around them I was in [screaming] there around them I was in [screaming] there around them old saints of God crying out to the old saints of God crying out to the old saints of God crying out to the Lord. We need some more of that. I said, Lord. We need some more of that. I said, Lord. We need some more of that. I said, "We need some more of that [screaming] "We need some more of that [screaming] "We need some more of that [screaming] around the house of God. around the house of God. around the house of God. Oh, [screaming] hallelujah. Oh, [screaming] hallelujah. Oh, [screaming] hallelujah. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Woo. Lift your hands and love on him Woo. Lift your hands and love on him Woo. Lift your hands and love on him here. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I worked in a furniture factory. I I worked in a furniture factory. I I worked in a furniture factory. I wasn't going to say it. I worked in a wasn't going to say it. I worked in a wasn't going to say it. I worked in a furniture factory. I just for went furniture factory. I just for went furniture factory. I just for went fulltime fulltime fulltime and uh cutting foam. Uh foam that goes and uh cutting foam. Uh foam that goes and uh cutting foam. Uh foam that goes like goes in the pew, you know, foam like goes in the pew, you know, foam like goes in the pew, you know, foam that goes in furniture. where we're from that goes in furniture. where we're from that goes in furniture. where we're from a lot of furniture factories and uh just a lot of furniture factories and uh just a lot of furniture factories and uh just but my my cousin was a plant manager, but my my cousin was a plant manager, but my my cousin was a plant manager, big boss man. Just before I was big boss man. Just before I was big boss man. Just before I was preaching enough to be full-time, I preaching enough to be full-time, I preaching enough to be full-time, I needed to work make some money. He hired needed to work make some money. He hired needed to work make some money. He hired me on, let me come to work, put me me on, let me come to work, put me me on, let me come to work, put me running the big table saw cutting that running the big table saw cutting that running the big table saw cutting that foam. Them boys made fun of me. They foam. Them boys made fun of me. They foam. Them boys made fun of me. They called me everything but a Christian. called me everything but a Christian. called me everything but a Christian. One of them boys never did call me by my One of them boys never did call me by my One of them boys never did call me by my name, Curtis. He called me Jim Baker. name, Curtis. He called me Jim Baker. name, Curtis. He called me Jim Baker. Good morning, Mr. Swagert. How are you Good morning, Mr. Swagert. How are you Good morning, Mr. Swagert. How are you this morning, huh? [sighs] this morning, huh? [sighs] this morning, huh? [sighs] He He called me everything but a He He called me everything but a He He called me everything but a Christian. Preacher boy. That was one of Christian. Preacher boy. That was one of Christian. Preacher boy. That was one of his favorites. He called me preacher his favorites. He called me preacher his favorites. He called me preacher boy. And he was younger than I was. Huh? boy. And he was younger than I was. Huh? boy. And he was younger than I was. Huh? Just a fiery trial. Just a fiery trial. Just a fiery trial. Just a time of testing. That that old Just a time of testing. That that old Just a time of testing. That that old outfit didn't know he was making gold in outfit didn't know he was making gold in outfit didn't know he was making gold in my life. my life. my life. They called me that. He called me that They called me that. He called me that They called me that. He called me that cuz I'd go to work with my Bible under cuz I'd go to work with my Bible under cuz I'd go to work with my Bible under my arm. Huh? I was 23 before I got my arm. Huh? I was 23 before I got my arm. Huh? I was 23 before I got saved. I was 25 before I was ever saved. I was 25 before I was ever saved. I was 25 before I was ever working over there. I already had a working over there. I already had a working over there. I already had a family at home. I' I I done with all the family at home. I' I I done with all the family at home. I' I I done with all the foolishness, all the nonsense. I done foolishness, all the nonsense. I done foolishness, all the nonsense. I done got all that under the blood. Them boys got all that under the blood. Them boys got all that under the blood. Them boys still tangled all up in that. I wasn't still tangled all up in that. I wasn't still tangled all up in that. I wasn't ashamed that big black back Bible I took ashamed that big black back Bible I took ashamed that big black back Bible I took to work with me. Amen. Not my pastor. to work with me. Amen. Not my pastor. to work with me. Amen. Not my pastor. I'm just telling you about me now. My I'm just telling you about me now. My I'm just telling you about me now. My pastor always wore long sleeves when I pastor always wore long sleeves when I pastor always wore long sleeves when I was sitting up under him. I thought that was sitting up under him. I thought that was sitting up under him. I thought that was peculiar, but I wanted to be like was peculiar, but I wanted to be like was peculiar, but I wanted to be like him. So, I started wearing long sleeves, him. So, I started wearing long sleeves, him. So, I started wearing long sleeves, too. Come on now. I wouldn't put that on too. Come on now. I wouldn't put that on too. Come on now. I wouldn't put that on you. You let the Lord do do in you what you. You let the Lord do do in you what you. You let the Lord do do in you what he wants to do in you. I'm talking about he wants to do in you. I'm talking about he wants to do in you. I'm talking about me. I wanted to identify with that white me. I wanted to identify with that white me. I wanted to identify with that white man I seen in that pull pit. I wanted man I seen in that pull pit. I wanted man I seen in that pull pit. I wanted what that guy had. Come on, say amen. what that guy had. Come on, say amen. what that guy had. Come on, say amen. And so, I started dressing like him at And so, I started dressing like him at And so, I started dressing like him at that that old furniture factory. wasn't that that old furniture factory. wasn't that that old furniture factory. wasn't air conditioned. It was hot. All that air conditioned. It was hot. All that air conditioned. It was hot. All that foam everywhere. No breeze or blowing foam everywhere. No breeze or blowing foam everywhere. No breeze or blowing much. Hot in the summertime. One of them much. Hot in the summertime. One of them much. Hot in the summertime. One of them men looked at me about every other day. men looked at me about every other day. men looked at me about every other day. He said, "Tig, you're not a man. You're He said, "Tig, you're not a man. You're He said, "Tig, you're not a man. You're a machine." They'd be in their cut off blue jeans They'd be in their cut off blue jeans and their belly shirts, tank tops, and and their belly shirts, tank tops, and and their belly shirts, tank tops, and flipflops. flipflops. flipflops. Huh? Huh? Huh? And I'd walk in there looking like a And I'd walk in there looking like a And I'd walk in there looking like a Mormon. Mormon. Mormon. my Bible under my arm. my Bible under my arm. my Bible under my arm. Huh? Spectacle. Huh? Spectacle. Huh? Spectacle. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Praise God. They may never see it again, Praise God. They may never see it again, Praise God. They may never see it again, but they seen it them that little while but they seen it them that little while but they seen it them that little while I worked there, they seen it. I I worked there, they seen it. I I worked there, they seen it. I dedicated to it. But I tell you dedicated to it. But I tell you dedicated to it. But I tell you something about my relationship with something about my relationship with something about my relationship with Christ during that time. Amen. I I got Christ during that time. Amen. I I got Christ during that time. Amen. I I got in a habit of taking my lunch break from in a habit of taking my lunch break from in a habit of taking my lunch break from 12:00 to 12:30. I'd go back up in the 12:00 to 12:30. I'd go back up in the 12:00 to 12:30. I'd go back up in the warehouse where they had all that foam warehouse where they had all that foam warehouse where they had all that foam stacked up and I'd use that for my stacked up and I'd use that for my stacked up and I'd use that for my prayer time. I'd use that. I was already prayer time. I'd use that. I was already prayer time. I'd use that. I was already taking mission trips and and doing taking mission trips and and doing taking mission trips and and doing different things for God and preaching different things for God and preaching different things for God and preaching revival around a little bit. Amen. I'd revival around a little bit. Amen. I'd revival around a little bit. Amen. I'd go up I'd go up and get buried in that go up I'd go up and get buried in that go up I'd go up and get buried in that foam. I could scream and yell and pray foam. I could scream and yell and pray foam. I could scream and yell and pray just as loud as I wanted to and that just as loud as I wanted to and that just as loud as I wanted to and that foam just absorb it. Hallelujah. It got foam just absorb it. Hallelujah. It got foam just absorb it. Hallelujah. It got to the place, Brother Larry Hunt, I'm to the place, Brother Larry Hunt, I'm to the place, Brother Larry Hunt, I'm telling you the truth. It got to the telling you the truth. It got to the telling you the truth. It got to the place 11:15, place 11:15, place 11:15, 11:30, 11:45, 11:30, 11:45, 11:30, 11:45, I'd be running that saw, cutting that I'd be running that saw, cutting that I'd be running that saw, cutting that foam, watching that clock, and an foam, watching that clock, and an foam, watching that clock, and an anticipation anticipation anticipation that begin to build up on the inside of that begin to build up on the inside of that begin to build up on the inside of me because I knew when that buzzer blows me because I knew when that buzzer blows me because I knew when that buzzer blows at 12:00 at the lover of my soul, amen, at 12:00 at the lover of my soul, amen, at 12:00 at the lover of my soul, amen, the allgether lovely one, he's waiting the allgether lovely one, he's waiting the allgether lovely one, he's waiting on me to get up there in that foam. He's on me to get up there in that foam. He's on me to get up there in that foam. He's going to talk to me. Uh, I'm going to going to talk to me. Uh, I'm going to going to talk to me. Uh, I'm going to talk to him. Come on now. That's a first talk to him. Come on now. That's a first talk to him. Come on now. That's a first love. I said that's your first love. I love. I said that's your first love. I love. I said that's your first love. I want it back. I said I want it back. I want it back. I said I want it back. I want it back. I said I want it back. I can't afford to trade it off. That's why can't afford to trade it off. That's why can't afford to trade it off. That's why I got to have it. Praise God. I got to have it. Praise God. I got to have it. Praise God. Oh, lift your hands and love on him. Oh, lift your hands and love on him. Oh, lift your hands and love on him. Praise God. Listen, Praise God. Listen, Praise God. Listen, we're not careful. We'll prop up. After we're not careful. We'll prop up. After we're not careful. We'll prop up. After all these years, we've learned a lot. all these years, we've learned a lot. all these years, we've learned a lot. When I first got saved, didn't know how When I first got saved, didn't know how When I first got saved, didn't know how to pray. to pray. to pray. Now I've been exposed Now I've been exposed Now I've been exposed all these 30 plus years to the good King all these 30 plus years to the good King all these 30 plus years to the good King James version of the Bible. James version of the Bible. James version of the Bible. I could pray. I could take off right now I could pray. I could take off right now I could pray. I could take off right now praying in perfect King James English. praying in perfect King James English. praying in perfect King James English. You've heard them do it, ain't you? I You've heard them do it, ain't you? I You've heard them do it, ain't you? I could put the whethersoevers and the could put the whethersoevers and the could put the whethersoevers and the thous and the therefors. thous and the therefors. thous and the therefors. Amen. and all the right places. But that Amen. and all the right places. But that Amen. and all the right places. But that ain't what gets God's attention. Boy, ain't what gets God's attention. Boy, ain't what gets God's attention. Boy, before I ever learned how to do that before I ever learned how to do that before I ever learned how to do that because of being exposed to this word of because of being exposed to this word of because of being exposed to this word of God. Amen. Before I ever learned how to God. Amen. Before I ever learned how to God. Amen. Before I ever learned how to pray like that, I don't practice that. pray like that, I don't practice that. pray like that, I don't practice that. Don't misunderstand me. But I could do Don't misunderstand me. But I could do Don't misunderstand me. But I could do it. But before I I ever got to the place it. But before I I ever got to the place it. But before I I ever got to the place where I could do that, God was meeting where I could do that, God was meeting where I could do that, God was meeting with me. You know why? My heart was on with me. You know why? My heart was on with me. You know why? My heart was on fire for him. My heart was connected to fire for him. My heart was connected to fire for him. My heart was connected to him. Come on now. him. Come on now. him. Come on now. Amen. When I first started reading the Amen. When I first started reading the Amen. When I first started reading the Bible, I couldn't even pronounce Bible, I couldn't even pronounce Bible, I couldn't even pronounce Nebuchadnezzar. Come on, say amen. One Nebuchadnezzar. Come on, say amen. One Nebuchadnezzar. Come on, say amen. One man said Nebu had a razor. Come on, say man said Nebu had a razor. Come on, say man said Nebu had a razor. Come on, say amen. Praise God. I didn't I didn't know amen. Praise God. I didn't I didn't know amen. Praise God. I didn't I didn't know I didn't know the difference between I didn't know the difference between I didn't know the difference between Timothy and Paul and Saul. Come on, say Timothy and Paul and Saul. Come on, say Timothy and Paul and Saul. Come on, say amen. And Titus. I didn't know the amen. And Titus. I didn't know the amen. And Titus. I didn't know the difference. Oh, but I I was working on a difference. Oh, but I I was working on a difference. Oh, but I I was working on a relationship. Uh, working on a walk uh relationship. Uh, working on a walk uh relationship. Uh, working on a walk uh with Almighty God. Come on, say amen. I with Almighty God. Come on, say amen. I with Almighty God. Come on, say amen. I want to keep it there. I said, I want to want to keep it there. I said, I want to want to keep it there. I said, I want to keep it there. Praise God. I don't want keep it there. Praise God. I don't want keep it there. Praise God. I don't want to trade it off. I don't want to turn to trade it off. I don't want to turn to trade it off. I don't want to turn and leave it. and leave it. and leave it. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, God. You know how it begins? Oh, God. You know how it begins? Oh, God. You know how it begins? backsliding, backsliding, backsliding, drifting, drifting, drifting, turning, walking away from Christ. You turning, walking away from Christ. You turning, walking away from Christ. You know how it all starts. Amen. It starts know how it all starts. Amen. It starts know how it all starts. Amen. It starts in your heart. in your heart. in your heart. Same place your salvation began. Same place your salvation began. Same place your salvation began. That's where that same starting place is That's where that same starting place is That's where that same starting place is where backsliding begins. Amen. Long where backsliding begins. Amen. Long where backsliding begins. Amen. Long before it shows up in a person's outward before it shows up in a person's outward before it shows up in a person's outward habits, it's already happening down in habits, it's already happening down in habits, it's already happening down in the depths of their heart. You know what the depths of their heart. You know what the depths of their heart. You know what it is? It's a gradual loss of appetite it is? It's a gradual loss of appetite it is? It's a gradual loss of appetite for spiritual things. for spiritual things. for spiritual things. Huh? Oh, God. Prayer, Bible study, Huh? Oh, God. Prayer, Bible study, Huh? Oh, God. Prayer, Bible study, fellowship with the saints, fellowship fellowship with the saints, fellowship fellowship with the saints, fellowship with Jesus, backsliding, all it is is a with Jesus, backsliding, all it is is a with Jesus, backsliding, all it is is a gradual yielding to the flesh. and its gradual yielding to the flesh. and its gradual yielding to the flesh. and its desires. desires. desires. Come on now. Come on now. Come on now. Backsliding occurs [screaming] Backsliding occurs [screaming] Backsliding occurs [screaming] when we allow our appetite for worldly when we allow our appetite for worldly when we allow our appetite for worldly things to overcome our appetite for things to overcome our appetite for things to overcome our appetite for heavenly spiritual things. heavenly spiritual things. heavenly spiritual things. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Sister Tig and I it's been more her. Sister Tig and I it's been more her. Sister Tig and I it's been more her. She's trying to help me. She's trying to help me. She's trying to help me. I uh I'm the fattest I ever been. 270bs. My feet holler at me about it and I'm My feet holler at me about it and I'm trying to do better. Sister Tig hasn't trying to do better. Sister Tig hasn't trying to do better. Sister Tig hasn't became my taskmaster in that area just became my taskmaster in that area just became my taskmaster in that area just yet, but lovingly she's trying to yet, but lovingly she's trying to yet, but lovingly she's trying to encourage me along. Huh? I hadn't been encourage me along. Huh? I hadn't been encourage me along. Huh? I hadn't been pulling in McDonald's and getting mocha pulling in McDonald's and getting mocha pulling in McDonald's and getting mocha frappes as often. You know, them babies frappes as often. You know, them babies frappes as often. You know, them babies about 800 calories for one of them. I about 800 calories for one of them. I about 800 calories for one of them. I could drink two of them right now. could drink two of them right now. could drink two of them right now. Huh? Huh? Huh? I'm trying to do better. We go to Sam's I'm trying to do better. We go to Sam's I'm trying to do better. We go to Sam's sometime to pick up supplies. I used to sometime to pick up supplies. I used to sometime to pick up supplies. I used to get four big bags. Them original Lays get four big bags. Them original Lays get four big bags. Them original Lays potato chips. Them real greasy ones. potato chips. Them real greasy ones. potato chips. Them real greasy ones. Huh? You know they say you can't eat Huh? You know they say you can't eat Huh? You know they say you can't eat just one. Can't eat just one bag. Last few times I've been to Sam's, I Last few times I've been to Sam's, I just put my blinders on, walk right I go just put my blinders on, walk right I go just put my blinders on, walk right I go to the nut aisle now. Buy me some to the nut aisle now. Buy me some to the nut aisle now. Buy me some peanuts, some pecans. Come on, say amen. peanuts, some pecans. Come on, say amen. peanuts, some pecans. Come on, say amen. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Woo! Hallelujah. I'm trying to do Woo! Hallelujah. I'm trying to do Woo! Hallelujah. I'm trying to do better. I'm trying to do better, but I better. I'm trying to do better, but I better. I'm trying to do better, but I there's an appetite in me for things there's an appetite in me for things there's an appetite in me for things that's unhealthy. Other night they had that's unhealthy. Other night they had that's unhealthy. Other night they had them pizza boxes stacked up. I got me them pizza boxes stacked up. I got me them pizza boxes stacked up. I got me two little actually Lisa put two little two little actually Lisa put two little two little actually Lisa put two little measly scrawny pieces of pizza on my measly scrawny pieces of pizza on my measly scrawny pieces of pizza on my place. I'm looking at all them boxes place. I'm looking at all them boxes place. I'm looking at all them boxes stacked up the wall. I'm looking down stacked up the wall. I'm looking down stacked up the wall. I'm looking down there at that fruit bowl. I'm looking there at that fruit bowl. I'm looking there at that fruit bowl. I'm looking back over at all that pizza and I'm back over at all that pizza and I'm back over at all that pizza and I'm looking at that fruit bowl. I'm trying looking at that fruit bowl. I'm trying looking at that fruit bowl. I'm trying to make up my mind if I'm going to be a to make up my mind if I'm going to be a to make up my mind if I'm going to be a good boy or a bad boy. good boy or a bad boy. good boy or a bad boy. Y'all know the feeling, don't you? Huh? Y'all know the feeling, don't you? Huh? Y'all know the feeling, don't you? Huh? All that happens in us naturally. But All that happens in us naturally. But All that happens in us naturally. But I'm going to tell you something. In all I'm going to tell you something. In all I'm going to tell you something. In all seriousness, the same thing happens to seriousness, the same thing happens to seriousness, the same thing happens to us spiritually in the spirit. We have to us spiritually in the spirit. We have to us spiritually in the spirit. We have to make choices every day. And we got to make choices every day. And we got to make choices every day. And we got to learn to feed our spirit man. My learn to feed our spirit man. My learn to feed our spirit man. My spiritual man's a lot more important spiritual man's a lot more important spiritual man's a lot more important than my physical man. Amen. I I want than my physical man. Amen. I I want than my physical man. Amen. I I want Listen, I don't want to be a big fat Listen, I don't want to be a big fat Listen, I don't want to be a big fat blob out of shame. I don't want to blob out of shame. I don't want to blob out of shame. I don't want to offend anybody. I don't want people offend anybody. I don't want people offend anybody. I don't want people looking at if I'm preaching against looking at if I'm preaching against looking at if I'm preaching against smoking. I don't want somebody to look smoking. I don't want somebody to look smoking. I don't want somebody to look at me and say, "When you quit eating too at me and say, "When you quit eating too at me and say, "When you quit eating too much, I'll quit smoking." I don't I much, I'll quit smoking." I don't I much, I'll quit smoking." I don't I don't want to be able to say that. Y'all don't want to be able to say that. Y'all don't want to be able to say that. Y'all Come on. Come on. [screaming] God. Hey, Come on. Come on. [screaming] God. Hey, Come on. Come on. [screaming] God. Hey, you know what I'm talking about. Brother you know what I'm talking about. Brother you know what I'm talking about. Brother Waters shouting high as anybody. That Waters shouting high as anybody. That Waters shouting high as anybody. That slim little frame he's got. Hallelujah. slim little frame he's got. Hallelujah. slim little frame he's got. Hallelujah. Praise God. That's that's the frame I'm Praise God. That's that's the frame I'm Praise God. That's that's the frame I'm after right there. Come on here. But you after right there. Come on here. But you after right there. Come on here. But you know what I'm learning? I'm learning to know what I'm learning? I'm learning to know what I'm learning? I'm learning to say no to them mocha frappes. To say no say no to them mocha frappes. To say no say no to them mocha frappes. To say no to them laz potato chips. To say no to to them laz potato chips. To say no to to them laz potato chips. To say no to them double cheeseburgers. Amen. It them double cheeseburgers. Amen. It them double cheeseburgers. Amen. It takes discipline. It takes heart. It takes discipline. It takes heart. It takes discipline. It takes heart. It takes I want to. And it's going to take takes I want to. And it's going to take takes I want to. And it's going to take the same thing. If we'll hear him say, the same thing. If we'll hear him say, the same thing. If we'll hear him say, "Well done." It's going to take "Well done." It's going to take "Well done." It's going to take discipline. It's going to take heart. discipline. It's going to take heart. discipline. It's going to take heart. It's going to take a want to. Ephesus lost their discipline. Ephesus lost their discipline. They lost their heart for Christ. They lost their heart for Christ. They lost their heart for Christ. They lost their want to as far as their They lost their want to as far as their They lost their want to as far as their relationship relationship relationship for him was concerned. for him was concerned. for him was concerned. They got to thirsting and hungering for They got to thirsting and hungering for They got to thirsting and hungering for worldly things worldly things worldly things more than spiritual things. It's more than spiritual things. It's more than spiritual things. It's terrifying. terrifying. terrifying. Proverbs 14:14 Proverbs 14:14 Proverbs 14:14 terrifying scripture. Bible said, "The terrifying scripture. Bible said, "The terrifying scripture. Bible said, "The backslider in heart shall be filled with backslider in heart shall be filled with backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." Oh God. And a good man shall be Oh God. And a good man shall be satisfied satisfied satisfied from himself. from himself. from himself. Woo. But but that's that's that's one Woo. But but that's that's that's one Woo. But but that's that's that's one verse. Part one and part two. Amen. One verse. Part one and part two. Amen. One verse. Part one and part two. Amen. One verse. The backsliding heart shall be verse. The backsliding heart shall be verse. The backsliding heart shall be filled with his own ways. God's going to filled with his own ways. God's going to filled with his own ways. God's going to give you up. Just let you have it your give you up. Just let you have it your give you up. Just let you have it your way. Huh? But but a good man, he'll be way. Huh? But but a good man, he'll be way. Huh? But but a good man, he'll be satisfied from himself. satisfied from himself. satisfied from himself. You keep a heart for God, keep a heart You keep a heart for God, keep a heart You keep a heart for God, keep a heart in tune with Christ, God will keep you in tune with Christ, God will keep you in tune with Christ, God will keep you satisfied from you. [screaming] satisfied from you. [screaming] satisfied from you. [screaming] Come on, say amen. You won't have to Come on, say amen. You won't have to Come on, say amen. You won't have to yield, be yanked and pulled around by yield, be yanked and pulled around by yield, be yanked and pulled around by the whim of the flesh, by every lust, the whim of the flesh, by every lust, the whim of the flesh, by every lust, craving, and desire in your flesh. Come craving, and desire in your flesh. Come craving, and desire in your flesh. Come on, say amen. The backslidering heart on, say amen. The backslidering heart on, say amen. The backslidering heart shall be filled with his own ways. That shall be filled with his own ways. That shall be filled with his own ways. That terrifies me because I remember my ways. terrifies me because I remember my ways. terrifies me because I remember my ways. My ways was leading me to destruction My ways was leading me to destruction My ways was leading me to destruction that's leading me to the depths of hell. that's leading me to the depths of hell. that's leading me to the depths of hell. My ways was leading me further and My ways was leading me further and My ways was leading me further and further away from God. further away from God. further away from God. I cannot afford to be filled with me. I cannot afford to be filled with me. I cannot afford to be filled with me. My ways. My ways. My ways. I got to be filled with him. I got to be filled with him. I got to be filled with him. his ways his ways his ways filled with his own ways. filled with his own ways. filled with his own ways. That man or woman that leaves their That man or woman that leaves their That man or woman that leaves their first love may continue to be churchy, first love may continue to be churchy, first love may continue to be churchy, religious, religious, religious, but they'll start taking up their own but they'll start taking up their own but they'll start taking up their own ways. ways. ways. Huh? Huh? Huh? Let me warn you. Galatians 5 and 19, Let me warn you. Galatians 5 and 19, Let me warn you. Galatians 5 and 19, just bear with me here. Now the works of just bear with me here. Now the works of just bear with me here. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these the flesh are manifest, which are these the flesh are manifest, which are these th the This is our ways. He be he he's th the This is our ways. He be he he's th the This is our ways. He be he he's about to tell us what our ways are. Not about to tell us what our ways are. Not about to tell us what our ways are. Not just my ways, our ways. If we backslide just my ways, our ways. If we backslide just my ways, our ways. If we backslide in our heart, this becomes our ways. Now in our heart, this becomes our ways. Now in our heart, this becomes our ways. Now the works of the flesh are manifest the works of the flesh are manifest the works of the flesh are manifest which are these: adultery, fornication, which are these: adultery, fornication, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, sedition or witchcraft, witchcraft, sedition or witchcraft, witchcraft, sedition or witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envings, strife, seditions, heresies, envings, strife, seditions, heresies, envings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and murders, drunkenness, revelings, and murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like, of the which I tell you such like, of the which I tell you such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time before, as I have also told you in time before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things past, that they which do such things past, that they which do such things shall not inherit inherit the kingdom of shall not inherit inherit the kingdom of shall not inherit inherit the kingdom of God. Did you hear what he said? When we God. Did you hear what he said? When we God. Did you hear what he said? When we backslide on Christ, eventually these backslide on Christ, eventually these backslide on Christ, eventually these works of the flesh will begin to works of the flesh will begin to works of the flesh will begin to manifest themselves in us. These works manifest themselves in us. These works manifest themselves in us. These works are already, amen, in every unregenerate are already, amen, in every unregenerate are already, amen, in every unregenerate person's heart. I I said every person's heart. I I said every person's heart. I I said every unregenerate person's heart, these unregenerate person's heart, these unregenerate person's heart, these works, amen, are idling, just waiting to works, amen, are idling, just waiting to works, amen, are idling, just waiting to manifest, just waiting to surface and manifest, just waiting to surface and manifest, just waiting to surface and come to the top. You know how I know come to the top. You know how I know come to the top. You know how I know that? I read what Jesus said in Matthew that? I read what Jesus said in Matthew that? I read what Jesus said in Matthew 7:20. And he said, "That which cometh 7:20. And he said, "That which cometh 7:20. And he said, "That which cometh out of the man that defileth a man, for out of the man that defileth a man, for out of the man that defileth a man, for from within, out of the heart of men from within, out of the heart of men from within, out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murder, thefts, fornications, murder, thefts, fornications, murder, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil pride, foolishness. All these evil pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a things come from within and defile a things come from within and defile a man." Amen. man." Amen. man." Amen. That's why [screaming] That's why [screaming] That's why [screaming] he said, "Keep thy heart with all he said, "Keep thy heart with all he said, "Keep thy heart with all diligence." diligence." diligence." Amen. Amen. Amen. For out of it are the issues For out of it are the issues For out of it are the issues of life. My satisfaction. of life. My satisfaction. of life. My satisfaction. I live long enough to know, boy, I wish I live long enough to know, boy, I wish I live long enough to know, boy, I wish I had the testimony. I heard brother I had the testimony. I heard brother I had the testimony. I heard brother Carowway say he got saved six or eight Carowway say he got saved six or eight Carowway say he got saved six or eight years old if I heard him right. Brother years old if I heard him right. Brother years old if I heard him right. Brother Per's the same. This little boy is my Per's the same. This little boy is my Per's the same. This little boy is my oldest boy trying to pioneer work in oldest boy trying to pioneer work in oldest boy trying to pioneer work in Blue Ridge, Georgia, trying to dig out Blue Ridge, Georgia, trying to dig out Blue Ridge, Georgia, trying to dig out of work. And he got saved at eight. It of work. And he got saved at eight. It of work. And he got saved at eight. It took him till he was 15, get baptized took him till he was 15, get baptized took him till he was 15, get baptized with the Holy Ghost, but he really got with the Holy Ghost, but he really got with the Holy Ghost, but he really got saved. I believe he really got saved at saved. I believe he really got saved at saved. I believe he really got saved at 8 years old. I always been a good boy. 8 years old. I always been a good boy. 8 years old. I always been a good boy. Boy, it's the best testimony to have. Boy, it's the best testimony to have. Boy, it's the best testimony to have. Never cracked a seal on a fifth of Never cracked a seal on a fifth of Never cracked a seal on a fifth of whiskey. Never smoked a cigarette. Don't whiskey. Never smoked a cigarette. Don't whiskey. Never smoked a cigarette. Don't know what dope looks like. Come on. Say know what dope looks like. Come on. Say know what dope looks like. Come on. Say amen. That's the best testimony to have. amen. That's the best testimony to have. amen. That's the best testimony to have. Never seen mama drunk. Never seen daddy Never seen mama drunk. Never seen daddy Never seen mama drunk. Never seen daddy drunk. Come on here. Never got in a fist drunk. Come on here. Never got in a fist drunk. Come on here. Never got in a fist fight. That's a great testimony. It's a fight. That's a great testimony. It's a fight. That's a great testimony. It's a best testimony in my opinion. I wish I best testimony in my opinion. I wish I best testimony in my opinion. I wish I had that testimony, but I don't. I don't had that testimony, but I don't. I don't had that testimony, but I don't. I don't have that testimony. That's why I I I have that testimony. That's why I I I have that testimony. That's why I I I listen. I feel like I might be trying to listen. I feel like I might be trying to listen. I feel like I might be trying to overemphasize this, but then again, I overemphasize this, but then again, I overemphasize this, but then again, I think really it'd be impossible to think really it'd be impossible to think really it'd be impossible to overemphasize this if you're not active overemphasize this if you're not active overemphasize this if you're not active and current in your relationship with and current in your relationship with and current in your relationship with Christ. Amen. Then you are a open mark Christ. Amen. Then you are a open mark Christ. Amen. Then you are a open mark for the devil. And if you continue in for the devil. And if you continue in for the devil. And if you continue in the same direction uh that you're headed the same direction uh that you're headed the same direction uh that you're headed away from your first love experience, away from your first love experience, away from your first love experience, these works of the flesh will manifest these works of the flesh will manifest these works of the flesh will manifest themselves in you and you'll be themselves in you and you'll be themselves in you and you'll be miserable on account of it. miserable on account of it. miserable on account of it. This is the best way. Jesus way. Christ This is the best way. Jesus way. Christ This is the best way. Jesus way. Christ way. This holiness way is the best way. way. This holiness way is the best way. way. This holiness way is the best way. Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise him. hear Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise him. hear Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise him. hear somebody give him glory. Hallelujah. Our satisfaction Hallelujah. Our satisfaction I I've lived long enough to understand I I've lived long enough to understand I I've lived long enough to understand my satisfaction comes from above. It my satisfaction comes from above. It my satisfaction comes from above. It doesn't come from anything within me. My doesn't come from anything within me. My doesn't come from anything within me. My satisfaction comes from above. satisfaction comes from above. satisfaction comes from above. Colossians 3 and2 Paul said, "Set your Colossians 3 and2 Paul said, "Set your Colossians 3 and2 Paul said, "Set your affection on things above, not on things affection on things above, not on things affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you're dead and your on the earth. For you're dead and your on the earth. For you're dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When life is hid with Christ in God. When life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, Christ who is our life shall appear, Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in then shall ye also appear with him in then shall ye also appear with him in glory. My satisfaction is coming from glory. My satisfaction is coming from glory. My satisfaction is coming from above. [screaming] above. [screaming] above. [screaming] Praise God. My life is hid with him. Praise God. My life is hid with him. Praise God. My life is hid with him. I'm looking for him to return. And when I'm looking for him to return. And when I'm looking for him to return. And when he appears, Amen. I'll be like him. For he appears, Amen. I'll be like him. For he appears, Amen. I'll be like him. For I'll see him as he is. I'll appear with I'll see him as he is. I'll appear with I'll see him as he is. I'll appear with him in glory. him in glory. him in glory. My satisfaction comes from up yonder, My satisfaction comes from up yonder, My satisfaction comes from up yonder, not down here. Let me talk to you. not down here. Let me talk to you. not down here. Let me talk to you. Backsliding produces a spiritual Backsliding produces a spiritual Backsliding produces a spiritual deafness and a spiritual blindness in deafness and a spiritual blindness in deafness and a spiritual blindness in those that used to be able to hear. those that used to be able to hear. those that used to be able to hear. Those that used to be able to see, if Those that used to be able to see, if Those that used to be able to see, if we're not careful, we'll drift. Then we're not careful, we'll drift. Then we're not careful, we'll drift. Then we'll make the conscious choice to turn we'll make the conscious choice to turn we'll make the conscious choice to turn and walk away. We'll lose our and walk away. We'll lose our and walk away. We'll lose our sensitivity to the Holy Ghost. That sensitivity to the Holy Ghost. That sensitivity to the Holy Ghost. That terrifies me. I don't want to lose the terrifies me. I don't want to lose the terrifies me. I don't want to lose the sensitivity. Amen. I I want to feel it sensitivity. Amen. I I want to feel it sensitivity. Amen. I I want to feel it when he is broken. When he wants me to when he is broken. When he wants me to when he is broken. When he wants me to feel brokenness, I want to be sensitive feel brokenness, I want to be sensitive feel brokenness, I want to be sensitive to that. Amen. I heard Sister Coha Co to that. Amen. I heard Sister Coha Co to that. Amen. I heard Sister Coha Co Pepper years ago in a Sunday school Pepper years ago in a Sunday school Pepper years ago in a Sunday school class in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sister Co class in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sister Co class in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sister Co Pepper taught on the moods of the Pepper taught on the moods of the Pepper taught on the moods of the spirit. Hallelujah. She said, "If he spirit. Hallelujah. She said, "If he spirit. Hallelujah. She said, "If he didn't have moods, you couldn't grieve didn't have moods, you couldn't grieve didn't have moods, you couldn't grieve him. If he didn't have moods, you him. If he didn't have moods, you him. If he didn't have moods, you couldn't drive him away." She taught on couldn't drive him away." She taught on couldn't drive him away." She taught on the moods of the spirit. One of my the moods of the spirit. One of my the moods of the spirit. One of my all-time greatest Sunday school classes all-time greatest Sunday school classes all-time greatest Sunday school classes I believe I've ever sat in. Amen. Listen I believe I've ever sat in. Amen. Listen I believe I've ever sat in. Amen. Listen to me. I want to feel what he wants me to me. I want to feel what he wants me to me. I want to feel what he wants me to feel. I want to hear what he wants me to feel. I want to hear what he wants me to feel. I want to hear what he wants me to hear. I want to see what he's wanting to hear. I want to see what he's wanting to hear. I want to see what he's wanting me to see. I want to be sensitive to me to see. I want to be sensitive to me to see. I want to be sensitive to that. Amen. Listen, I don't want to get that. Amen. Listen, I don't want to get that. Amen. Listen, I don't want to get to the place that I've watched some to the place that I've watched some to the place that I've watched some people get to. Preaching that once moved people get to. Preaching that once moved people get to. Preaching that once moved you now bors you and you wonder when you now bors you and you wonder when you now bors you and you wonder when it's all going to be over. Sin that once it's all going to be over. Sin that once it's all going to be over. Sin that once grieved us. Now we're comfortable in the grieved us. Now we're comfortable in the grieved us. Now we're comfortable in the very midst of it. very midst of it. very midst of it. Oh [screaming] God, Oh [screaming] God, Oh [screaming] God, I want the Holy Ghost I want the Holy Ghost I want the Holy Ghost to help me guard my heart and keep it. to help me guard my heart and keep it. to help me guard my heart and keep it. Jeremiah 5:21 the prophet said, "Hear Jeremiah 5:21 the prophet said, "Hear Jeremiah 5:21 the prophet said, "Hear now this, oh foolish people and without now this, oh foolish people and without now this, oh foolish people and without understanding, understanding, understanding, which have eyes and see not, which have which have eyes and see not, which have which have eyes and see not, which have ears and hear not." Boy, wouldn't this ears and hear not." Boy, wouldn't this ears and hear not." Boy, wouldn't this be one grand failure. be one grand failure. be one grand failure. Amen. We've bragged on the preaching. We Amen. We've bragged on the preaching. We Amen. We've bragged on the preaching. We bragged on the attendance. We bragged on bragged on the attendance. We bragged on bragged on the attendance. We bragged on the food. We've bragged on the the food. We've bragged on the the food. We've bragged on the fellowship. But what a failure fellowship. But what a failure fellowship. But what a failure if we can sit through a meeting like if we can sit through a meeting like if we can sit through a meeting like this this this and Sunday morning come and we're just and Sunday morning come and we're just and Sunday morning come and we're just as cold [screaming] Sunday as we was as cold [screaming] Sunday as we was as cold [screaming] Sunday as we was before the meeting ever started. before the meeting ever started. before the meeting ever started. What a what a sad sad state of affairs What a what a sad sad state of affairs What a what a sad sad state of affairs that would be. Oh God, I've seen them. that would be. Oh God, I've seen them. that would be. Oh God, I've seen them. Zechariah showed them to me. Zechariah 7 Zechariah showed them to me. Zechariah 7 Zechariah showed them to me. Zechariah 7 and verse 11. And I want you to see it. and verse 11. And I want you to see it. and verse 11. And I want you to see it. Amen. God speaks to a people that left Amen. God speaks to a people that left Amen. God speaks to a people that left their first love. He said, "But they their first love. He said, "But they their first love. He said, "But they refused to hearken and pulled away the refused to hearken and pulled away the refused to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their ears that shoulder and stopped their ears that shoulder and stopped their ears that they should not hear." they should not hear." they should not hear." As they're walking away, God's reaching As they're walking away, God's reaching As they're walking away, God's reaching for them. Maybe puts his hand on their for them. Maybe puts his hand on their for them. Maybe puts his hand on their shoulder, but they pull their shoulder shoulder, but they pull their shoulder shoulder, but they pull their shoulder away from his hand. Keep right on away from his hand. Keep right on away from his hand. Keep right on walking. Oh, God. When a believer walking. Oh, God. When a believer walking. Oh, God. When a believer slides, their spiritual senses become slides, their spiritual senses become slides, their spiritual senses become dull. They can't hear the voice of the dull. They can't hear the voice of the dull. They can't hear the voice of the spirit like they one time did. Can't be spirit like they one time did. Can't be spirit like they one time did. Can't be moved by conviction the way they one moved by conviction the way they one moved by conviction the way they one time were. They cannot see the time were. They cannot see the time were. They cannot see the miraculous taking place all around them. miraculous taking place all around them. miraculous taking place all around them. Do you know the Bible is clear? Before Do you know the Bible is clear? Before Do you know the Bible is clear? Before you get it twisted, you better hear what you get it twisted, you better hear what you get it twisted, you better hear what the Bible said. The Bible said the way the Bible said. The Bible said the way the Bible said. The Bible said the way of the transgressor is hard. This hold of the transgressor is hard. This hold of the transgressor is hard. This hold this way is not a hard way. [screaming] this way is not a hard way. [screaming] this way is not a hard way. [screaming] It's a good way. I said it's a good way. It's a good way. I said it's a good way. It's a good way. I said it's a good way. The way of the transgressor that's a The way of the transgressor that's a The way of the transgressor that's a hard way. There's not one backslider hard way. There's not one backslider hard way. There's not one backslider that has freedom or liberty or real joy that has freedom or liberty or real joy that has freedom or liberty or real joy or peace that passes all understanding or peace that passes all understanding or peace that passes all understanding because they traded it off for the weak because they traded it off for the weak because they traded it off for the weak and beggarly elements of the world. and beggarly elements of the world. and beggarly elements of the world. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] Oh God, backsliding Oh God, backsliding Oh God, backsliding always leads to spiritual death. always leads to spiritual death. always leads to spiritual death. Always without fail. Jeremiah 2:19, he Always without fail. Jeremiah 2:19, he Always without fail. Jeremiah 2:19, he said, "Thine own wickedness shall said, "Thine own wickedness shall said, "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee. Thy backsliding shall correct thee. Thy backsliding shall correct thee. Thy backsliding shall reprove thee. Know therefore and see reprove thee. Know therefore and see reprove thee. Know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter that that it is an evil thing and bitter that that it is an evil thing and bitter that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God and thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God and thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God and that thy heart is not in uh my heart is that thy heart is not in uh my heart is that thy heart is not in uh my heart is not in thee sayeth the Lord God of host not in thee sayeth the Lord God of host not in thee sayeth the Lord God of host again there's no happy backsliders again there's no happy backsliders again there's no happy backsliders there's no joyfilled there's no joyfilled there's no joyfilled content content content peacefilled backsliders because they've peacefilled backsliders because they've peacefilled backsliders because they've known all of these things and they've known all of these things and they've known all of these things and they've turned walked away from Jeremiah 2:20. turned walked away from Jeremiah 2:20. turned walked away from Jeremiah 2:20. For of old time I have broken thy yoke, For of old time I have broken thy yoke, For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands, and thou saidest, I and burst thy bands, and thou saidest, I and burst thy bands, and thou saidest, I will not transgress when upon every high will not transgress when upon every high will not transgress when upon every high heel and under every green tree thou heel and under every green tree thou heel and under every green tree thou wondest, playing the harlot. wondest, playing the harlot. wondest, playing the harlot. You promised me you'd love me forever. You promised me you'd love me forever. You promised me you'd love me forever. Oh, God. Do you know how heartbroken I'd Oh, God. Do you know how heartbroken I'd Oh, God. Do you know how heartbroken I'd be if Sister Tig, be if Sister Tig, be if Sister Tig, my sweet, my sweet, my sweet, lovely lovely lovely little Lisa, she's uh she's been stuck with I mean, she's uh she's been stuck with I mean, we've been married 39 years in October. we've been married 39 years in October. we've been married 39 years in October. 39 years. Won't be long to be 40. I 39 years. Won't be long to be 40. I 39 years. Won't be long to be 40. I believe the Lord's willing, we're believe the Lord's willing, we're believe the Lord's willing, we're working on 50. working on 50. working on 50. Praise God. Huh? Praise God. Huh? Praise God. Huh? 1987, 1987, 1987, way back younger. way back younger. way back younger. Huh? The same time he started this Huh? The same time he started this Huh? The same time he started this church. church. church. And you know how how broken I'd be? And you know how how broken I'd be? And you know how how broken I'd be? We Lisa and I have counseledled people. We Lisa and I have counseledled people. We Lisa and I have counseledled people. We've prayed with people. We've been to We've prayed with people. We've been to We've prayed with people. We've been to people's homes and talked with them who people's homes and talked with them who people's homes and talked with them who have said things like I'm about to say. have said things like I'm about to say. have said things like I'm about to say. Well, preacher, I just fell out of love Well, preacher, I just fell out of love Well, preacher, I just fell out of love with him. with him. with him. I just don't love him anymore. I just don't love him anymore. I just don't love him anymore. Preacher, I don't love her anymore. Biblical love is not something you fall Biblical love is not something you fall in and out of. It's something you work in and out of. It's something you work in and out of. It's something you work towards and work for and labor for and towards and work for and labor for and towards and work for and labor for and discipline yourself, too. discipline yourself, too. discipline yourself, too. Huh? Huh? Huh? Before I married, I I better talk about Before I married, I I better talk about Before I married, I I better talk about me. Before me. Before me. Before she married me, she thought the sun rose she married me, she thought the sun rose she married me, she thought the sun rose and set me. Just nod your pretty little and set me. Just nod your pretty little and set me. Just nod your pretty little head and say, "Yeah, there you go." head and say, "Yeah, there you go." head and say, "Yeah, there you go." She thought I was alltogether lovely. She thought I was alltogether lovely. She thought I was alltogether lovely. Huh? After two or three days, you know Huh? After two or three days, you know Huh? After two or three days, you know what she found out? My breath stinks in what she found out? My breath stinks in what she found out? My breath stinks in the morning. the morning. the morning. Huh? My my feet stink in the evening. Huh? My my feet stink in the evening. Huh? My my feet stink in the evening. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Come on, say amen. Huh? Wasn't all together lovely anymore. Huh? Wasn't all together lovely anymore. Huh? Wasn't all together lovely anymore. You know what she decided? I believe I'm You know what she decided? I believe I'm You know what she decided? I believe I'm going to stick it out. going to stick it out. going to stick it out. I I stood in front of God and told him, I I stood in front of God and told him, I I stood in front of God and told him, "For better, for worse, huh? Believe I'm "For better, for worse, huh? Believe I'm "For better, for worse, huh? Believe I'm going I'm going to stick it out." And going I'm going to stick it out." And going I'm going to stick it out." And and days turned into weeks. That that and days turned into weeks. That that and days turned into weeks. That that first when we first got married, we first when we first got married, we first when we first got married, we lived in a little 10 by 40 10 by 45, I lived in a little 10 by 40 10 by 45, I lived in a little 10 by 40 10 by 45, I believe it was. It was my great believe it was. It was my great believe it was. It was my great grandmother's old mobile home. It was so grandmother's old mobile home. It was so grandmother's old mobile home. It was so small, wasn't room for a washer and small, wasn't room for a washer and small, wasn't room for a washer and dryer. So, we had to go to the laundry dryer. So, we had to go to the laundry dryer. So, we had to go to the laundry in town to wash the clothes, the coin in town to wash the clothes, the coin in town to wash the clothes, the coin laundry. That first week, at the end of laundry. That first week, at the end of laundry. That first week, at the end of that first week, I was a I was 18, 19 that first week, I was a I was 18, 19 that first week, I was a I was 18, 19 year old boy. I was 19 when we got year old boy. I was 19 when we got year old boy. I was 19 when we got married. And my my mama, bless her married. And my my mama, bless her married. And my my mama, bless her heart, uh she uh she'd never own up to heart, uh she uh she'd never own up to heart, uh she uh she'd never own up to it. But there was times I could get it. But there was times I could get it. But there was times I could get undressed even as a teenager and I'd undressed even as a teenager and I'd undressed even as a teenager and I'd just leave my clothes laying on the just leave my clothes laying on the just leave my clothes laying on the floor or I'd push them up on the edge of floor or I'd push them up on the edge of floor or I'd push them up on the edge of my bed, kick them out of my way, and mom my bed, kick them out of my way, and mom my bed, kick them out of my way, and mom would come around, gather them babies up would come around, gather them babies up would come around, gather them babies up and wash them, dry them, fold them, put and wash them, dry them, fold them, put and wash them, dry them, fold them, put them in the drawer, hang them in the them in the drawer, hang them in the them in the drawer, hang them in the closet. Well, that first week of closet. Well, that first week of closet. Well, that first week of marriage, guess what brother was doing? We got to the laundry at the end of that We got to the laundry at the end of that first week. We got to the laundry. Hey, first week. We got to the laundry. Hey, first week. We got to the laundry. Hey, I'm about to tell you, I had to put up I'm about to tell you, I had to put up I'm about to tell you, I had to put up with some things, too. I'm glad this is my last morning. Y'all I'm glad this is my last morning. Y'all might not want me back for a while. We We're We're putting in the clothes. We We're We're putting in the clothes. They wash. We're getting them out of the They wash. We're getting them out of the They wash. We're getting them out of the dryer. We're We're folding clothes. I'm dryer. We're We're folding clothes. I'm dryer. We're We're folding clothes. I'm helping her. We're folding clothes helping her. We're folding clothes helping her. We're folding clothes together and it dawns on me. Ain't none together and it dawns on me. Ain't none together and it dawns on me. Ain't none of mine in here. Where's my clothes? Where's my clothes? Huh? She had a I know now. She had a Huh? She had a I know now. She had a Huh? She had a I know now. She had a husband in training. I didn't know it husband in training. I didn't know it husband in training. I didn't know it then. then. then. I said, "Where's my clothes at?" She I said, "Where's my clothes at?" She I said, "Where's my clothes at?" She said, "I don't know. Where'd you put said, "I don't know. Where'd you put said, "I don't know. Where'd you put them? Did you put them in the laundry them? Did you put them in the laundry them? Did you put them in the laundry basket where they belong?" basket where they belong?" basket where they belong?" I didn't say much anything. I got in the I didn't say much anything. I got in the I didn't say much anything. I got in the car and went back to the house and dug car and went back to the house and dug car and went back to the house and dug all my clothes out from under the bed. all my clothes out from under the bed. all my clothes out from under the bed. Brought them back and washed them. Come Brought them back and washed them. Come Brought them back and washed them. Come on, say amen. Huh? Amen. She decided, I on, say amen. Huh? Amen. She decided, I on, say amen. Huh? Amen. She decided, I believe I'll stick with this. I believe believe I'll stick with this. I believe believe I'll stick with this. I believe I'll stick it out. Come on, say amen. I'll stick it out. Come on, say amen. I'll stick it out. Come on, say amen. Amen. It's been something we've Amen. It's been something we've Amen. It's been something we've cultivated together. Amen. We didn't cultivated together. Amen. We didn't cultivated together. Amen. We didn't just fall in love, fall out of love. just fall in love, fall out of love. just fall in love, fall out of love. We've worked at it. We've chased after We've worked at it. We've chased after We've worked at it. We've chased after it. We've longed for it. Amen. We put in it. We've longed for it. Amen. We put in it. We've longed for it. Amen. We put in the effort. Come on and say amen. Praise the effort. Come on and say amen. Praise the effort. Come on and say amen. Praise God. It's the same with our walk with God. It's the same with our walk with God. It's the same with our walk with Christ. If you're going to make it, Christ. If you're going to make it, Christ. If you're going to make it, brother and sister, it's going to be brother and sister, it's going to be brother and sister, it's going to be work. It's going to be discipline. It's work. It's going to be discipline. It's work. It's going to be discipline. It's going to be effort, but it'll going to be effort, but it'll going to be effort, but it'll [screaming] be worth it. When you hear [screaming] be worth it. When you hear [screaming] be worth it. When you hear him say, "Well done. It'll be worth it." him say, "Well done. It'll be worth it." him say, "Well done. It'll be worth it." Praise him, somebody praise him. Praise him, somebody praise him. Praise him, somebody praise him. [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The world can never feel the emptiness The world can never feel the emptiness The world can never feel the emptiness left behind in the heart of a left behind in the heart of a left behind in the heart of a backslider. You know how broken and backslider. You know how broken and backslider. You know how broken and empty I'd be if she looked at me when empty I'd be if she looked at me when empty I'd be if she looked at me when this meeting was over and said, "That's this meeting was over and said, "That's this meeting was over and said, "That's it. I'm done. I'm done. I ain't it. I'm done. I'm done. I ain't it. I'm done. I'm done. I ain't traveling no more. I'm staying at the traveling no more. I'm staying at the traveling no more. I'm staying at the house. You need to pack your stuff. I'm house. You need to pack your stuff. I'm house. You need to pack your stuff. I'm done. I'm I'm calling a lawyer. I'm sick done. I'm I'm calling a lawyer. I'm sick done. I'm I'm calling a lawyer. I'm sick of this. Wonder how the Lord feels of this. Wonder how the Lord feels of this. Wonder how the Lord feels after all the blessings he's blessed us after all the blessings he's blessed us after all the blessings he's blessed us with and all the benefits. Bible said he with and all the benefits. Bible said he with and all the benefits. Bible said he loadeth us daily with them. loadeth us daily with them. loadeth us daily with them. Huh? Oh God, wonder how he feels when we Huh? Oh God, wonder how he feels when we Huh? Oh God, wonder how he feels when we say it's enough. That's enough. And we say it's enough. That's enough. And we say it's enough. That's enough. And we turn leaving turn leaving turn leaving our [clears throat] our [clears throat] our [clears throat] first love. I want to talk to you about first love. I want to talk to you about first love. I want to talk to you about the danger the danger the danger of a cold heart. of a cold heart. of a cold heart. Ephesus had a coldness in their heart. Ephesus had a coldness in their heart. Ephesus had a coldness in their heart. I had a friend many years ago name was I had a friend many years ago name was I had a friend many years ago name was Kenneth. Kenneth. Kenneth. Everybody called him Kenny. And uh some Everybody called him Kenny. And uh some Everybody called him Kenny. And uh some of y'all if I called his full name, you of y'all if I called his full name, you of y'all if I called his full name, you might have been acquainted with him. I might have been acquainted with him. I might have been acquainted with him. I don't know. Many 30 plus years ago uh we don't know. Many 30 plus years ago uh we don't know. Many 30 plus years ago uh we were acquainted in the church. He was were acquainted in the church. He was were acquainted in the church. He was from another church. cheap, man. He from another church. cheap, man. He from another church. cheap, man. He could pre He's He's a pretty good could pre He's He's a pretty good could pre He's He's a pretty good preacher. He was a sure enough singer, preacher. He was a sure enough singer, preacher. He was a sure enough singer, piano player, and we'd we'd see each piano player, and we'd we'd see each piano player, and we'd we'd see each other around ran. We even preached other around ran. We even preached other around ran. We even preached together in a meeting in Kentucky many together in a meeting in Kentucky many together in a meeting in Kentucky many years ago when I first uh went years ago when I first uh went years ago when I first uh went full-time. And uh Kenny and I became full-time. And uh Kenny and I became full-time. And uh Kenny and I became friends and we lived kind of for a short friends and we lived kind of for a short friends and we lived kind of for a short while in the same area. He lived in our while in the same area. He lived in our while in the same area. He lived in our area for a short little while. We we area for a short little while. We we area for a short little while. We we became friends. We didn't get to see became friends. We didn't get to see became friends. We didn't get to see each other much after Sister Lisa and I each other much after Sister Lisa and I each other much after Sister Lisa and I got busy traveling and preaching. Uh we got busy traveling and preaching. Uh we got busy traveling and preaching. Uh we didn't get to see him see him at a didn't get to see him see him at a didn't get to see him see him at a meeting somewhere ever once in a great meeting somewhere ever once in a great meeting somewhere ever once in a great while. And uh years went by and maybe while. And uh years went by and maybe while. And uh years went by and maybe I'd see him at a meeting. Then years had I'd see him at a meeting. Then years had I'd see him at a meeting. Then years had go by and this was one of those times go by and this was one of those times go by and this was one of those times it'd been years since I had any contact it'd been years since I had any contact it'd been years since I had any contact with him and he showed up at a uh a with him and he showed up at a uh a with him and he showed up at a uh a ministers conference and told me he was ministers conference and told me he was ministers conference and told me he was pastoring not too far away and uh boy I pastoring not too far away and uh boy I pastoring not too far away and uh boy I congratulated him told him how good it congratulated him told him how good it congratulated him told him how good it was to see him and I guess two or three was to see him and I guess two or three was to see him and I guess two or three or four or five years went by. I don't or four or five years went by. I don't or four or five years went by. I don't know how how long uh uh several years know how how long uh uh several years know how how long uh uh several years maybe went by and I saw somebody and he maybe went by and I saw somebody and he maybe went by and I saw somebody and he they they they knew that I knew him and they they they knew that I knew him and they they they knew that I knew him and they asked me this question. They said, they asked me this question. They said, they asked me this question. They said, "Have you heard about Kenny?" "Have you heard about Kenny?" "Have you heard about Kenny?" I said, "No, what about Kenny?" They I said, "No, what about Kenny?" They I said, "No, what about Kenny?" They said, "He left his wife, divorced her, left his church, just divorced her, left his church, just packed up and walked away. packed up and walked away. packed up and walked away. Boy, that made me sad. It broke my Boy, that made me sad. It broke my Boy, that made me sad. It broke my heart. I hate to hear that about heart. I hate to hear that about heart. I hate to hear that about anybody. anybody. anybody. I know he worked for God. I've heard him I know he worked for God. I've heard him I know he worked for God. I've heard him speak in the Holy Ghost. I've heard him speak in the Holy Ghost. I've heard him speak in the Holy Ghost. I've heard him preach and sing the gospel. I've seen preach and sing the gospel. I've seen preach and sing the gospel. I've seen the hand of God come down on him. Now the hand of God come down on him. Now the hand of God come down on him. Now he's out. he's out. he's out. A little while went by. Somebody seen A little while went by. Somebody seen A little while went by. Somebody seen somebody else or some some other meeting somebody else or some some other meeting somebody else or some some other meeting somewhere. They said, "Have you heard somewhere. They said, "Have you heard somewhere. They said, "Have you heard about Kenny?" I said, "What about about Kenny?" I said, "What about about Kenny?" I said, "What about Kenny?" said, "Kenny's dead. Kenny's Kenny?" said, "Kenny's dead. Kenny's Kenny?" said, "Kenny's dead. Kenny's Kenny's not alive anymore." I said, Kenny's not alive anymore." I said, Kenny's not alive anymore." I said, 'What happened to Kenny?' They said, 'What happened to Kenny?' They said, 'What happened to Kenny?' They said, 'You know, he divorced his wife, left 'You know, he divorced his wife, left 'You know, he divorced his wife, left his church. I said, 'I remember. I've his church. I said, 'I remember. I've his church. I said, 'I remember. I've been praying for him. They said he found been praying for him. They said he found been praying for him. They said he found another woman and he got remarried another woman and he got remarried another woman and he got remarried in a backslid condition. in a backslid condition. in a backslid condition. Bad enough to backslide, but it's awful Bad enough to backslide, but it's awful Bad enough to backslide, but it's awful to make big decisions in a backslid to make big decisions in a backslid to make big decisions in a backslid condition. condition. condition. Amen. Amen. Amen. It's another message somewhere else. It's another message somewhere else. It's another message somewhere else. I said, "What happened?" They said the I said, "What happened?" They said the I said, "What happened?" They said the woman he married had a child. I I think woman he married had a child. I I think woman he married had a child. I I think they told me it's a little girl. Said uh they told me it's a little girl. Said uh they told me it's a little girl. Said uh like the world does the little girl had like the world does the little girl had like the world does the little girl had been with Kenny and her mother. It was been with Kenny and her mother. It was been with Kenny and her mother. It was time for her to go back to her daddy's. time for her to go back to her daddy's. time for her to go back to her daddy's. And uh well, I I feel like saying this. And uh well, I I feel like saying this. And uh well, I I feel like saying this. Go ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. The world swaps in children back and The world swaps in children back and The world swaps in children back and forth. Daddy get them. Easter, mommy, forth. Daddy get them. Easter, mommy, forth. Daddy get them. Easter, mommy, get them. Christmas. That has never been get them. Christmas. That has never been get them. Christmas. That has never been the will of God. the will of God. the will of God. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. You can shout amen or just sit there and You can shout amen or just sit there and You can shout amen or just sit there and look at me. look at me. look at me. I'm going to tell you, it's supposed to I'm going to tell you, it's supposed to I'm going to tell you, it's supposed to be one man, one woman forever until be one man, one woman forever until be one man, one woman forever until death do his part. death do his part. death do his part. Don't you get mad with me. Don't you get mad with me. Don't you get mad with me. If you're not in that situation, don't If you're not in that situation, don't If you're not in that situation, don't you get mad with me. I don't want your you get mad with me. I don't want your you get mad with me. I don't want your children to make the same mistakes you children to make the same mistakes you children to make the same mistakes you made. made. made. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. that another message somewhere else. that another message somewhere else. that another message somewhere else. Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. They said Kenny was asked by his new They said Kenny was asked by his new They said Kenny was asked by his new wife to take the little girl to her wife to take the little girl to her wife to take the little girl to her daddy. They had a meeting place daddy. They had a meeting place daddy. They had a meeting place evidently. They met somewhere together. evidently. They met somewhere together. evidently. They met somewhere together. And if somebody told me the story right, And if somebody told me the story right, And if somebody told me the story right, Brother Puller might know better than Brother Puller might know better than Brother Puller might know better than me. If somebody told me the story, me. If somebody told me the story, me. If somebody told me the story, right, that them two grown men got into right, that them two grown men got into right, that them two grown men got into a heated argument and uh I wasn't there. All I can tell and uh I wasn't there. All I can tell you is what was told to me. They got in you is what was told to me. They got in you is what was told to me. They got in a fuss. They got in an argument over a fuss. They got in an argument over a fuss. They got in an argument over something. And one of those men is a something. And one of those men is a something. And one of those men is a backslid homeless preacher that's been backslid homeless preacher that's been backslid homeless preacher that's been filled with the Holy Ghost in the days filled with the Holy Ghost in the days filled with the Holy Ghost in the days gone by. Now he's standing on the side gone by. Now he's standing on the side gone by. Now he's standing on the side of the road or maybe in a parking lot of the road or maybe in a parking lot of the road or maybe in a parking lot somewhere in a rage somewhere in a rage somewhere in a rage screaming, cuss fighting with a little screaming, cuss fighting with a little screaming, cuss fighting with a little girl's daddy. One of them men got so girl's daddy. One of them men got so girl's daddy. One of them men got so heated. He grabbed his pistol and the heated. He grabbed his pistol and the heated. He grabbed his pistol and the other man saw him with his pistol. So he other man saw him with his pistol. So he other man saw him with his pistol. So he grabbed his and they draw down on one grabbed his and they draw down on one grabbed his and they draw down on one another. another. another. In a rage, they begin to pull the In a rage, they begin to pull the In a rage, they begin to pull the trigger on each other. Do you know what trigger on each other. Do you know what trigger on each other. Do you know what happened? Within 24 hours, both those happened? Within 24 hours, both those happened? Within 24 hours, both those men were dead men were dead men were dead out into eternity. Can I talk to you out into eternity. Can I talk to you out into eternity. Can I talk to you about the danger of a cold heart? If about the danger of a cold heart? If about the danger of a cold heart? If Kenny was here preaching this morning, Kenny was here preaching this morning, Kenny was here preaching this morning, you know what he'd preach to you? He'd you know what he'd preach to you? He'd you know what he'd preach to you? He'd talk to you about how dangerous it is talk to you about how dangerous it is talk to you about how dangerous it is for you to continue to live in that cold for you to continue to live in that cold for you to continue to live in that cold [screaming] condition. He'd preach to [screaming] condition. He'd preach to [screaming] condition. He'd preach to you, amen, that sin will take you you, amen, that sin will take you you, amen, that sin will take you farther than you want to go. [screaming] farther than you want to go. [screaming] farther than you want to go. [screaming] It'll keep you longer than you want to It'll keep you longer than you want to It'll keep you longer than you want to stay. And it'll end up costing you more stay. And it'll end up costing you more stay. And it'll end up costing you more than you're able to pay. than you're able to pay. than you're able to pay. Huh? They told me, they told me the Huh? They told me, they told me the Huh? They told me, they told me the story right, Brother Hunt, here's what story right, Brother Hunt, here's what story right, Brother Hunt, here's what they told me. Just get sadder. they told me. Just get sadder. they told me. Just get sadder. Not only did both those men get killed Not only did both those men get killed Not only did both those men get killed that day, but in that frenzy, a stray that day, but in that frenzy, a stray that day, but in that frenzy, a stray bullet hit that little girl. She died, bullet hit that little girl. She died, bullet hit that little girl. She died, too. I I'm not I'm not talking about somebody I I'm not I'm not talking about somebody I never knew. I've preached with him, I never knew. I've preached with him, I never knew. I've preached with him, worshiped God together with him, and we worshiped God together with him, and we worshiped God together with him, and we could tell story after story after could tell story after story after could tell story after story after story. See, Kenny waited till it was too story. See, Kenny waited till it was too story. See, Kenny waited till it was too late. late. late. And he was filled with his own ways. And he was filled with his own ways. And he was filled with his own ways. Huh? Oh, God. But that wasn't that Huh? Oh, God. But that wasn't that Huh? Oh, God. But that wasn't that wasn't God's plan. And that wasn't God's wasn't God's plan. And that wasn't God's wasn't God's plan. And that wasn't God's plan for Ephesus. Did you hear the voice plan for Ephesus. Did you hear the voice plan for Ephesus. Did you hear the voice of the master crying out to him, "He of the master crying out to him, "He of the master crying out to him, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the that hath an ear, let him hear what the that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches." Did you spirit saith unto the churches." Did you spirit saith unto the churches." Did you hear him? He said, "Remember therefore hear him? He said, "Remember therefore hear him? He said, "Remember therefore from which thou art fallen and repent from which thou art fallen and repent from which thou art fallen and repent and do the first works." Did you hear and do the first works." Did you hear and do the first works." Did you hear him? He said, "Ephosis, him? He said, "Ephosis, him? He said, "Ephosis, there's [screaming] hope. There's hope. there's [screaming] hope. There's hope. there's [screaming] hope. There's hope. There's help. If you'll come to me, I There's help. If you'll come to me, I There's help. If you'll come to me, I can wash [screaming] it all away. I can can wash [screaming] it all away. I can can wash [screaming] it all away. I can restore you. I can reconcile you." restore you. I can reconcile you." restore you. I can reconcile you." Wasn't too late. Praise God. Repent. Wasn't too late. Praise God. Repent. Wasn't too late. Praise God. Repent. Glory to God. Malachi 3:7, he cried, Glory to God. Malachi 3:7, he cried, Glory to God. Malachi 3:7, he cried, "Return unto me, and I will return unto "Return unto me, and I will return unto "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts." Huh? you, saith the Lord of hosts." Huh? you, saith the Lord of hosts." Huh? Jeremiah 3:14, Jeremiah 3:14, Jeremiah 3:14, he said, "Turn, oh backsliding children, he said, "Turn, oh backsliding children, he said, "Turn, oh backsliding children, sayaeth the Lord, for I'm married unto sayaeth the Lord, for I'm married unto sayaeth the Lord, for I'm married unto you." you." you." Woo. It's not his will that any should Woo. It's not his will that any should Woo. It's not his will that any should perish, but that all should come to perish, but that all should come to perish, but that all should come to repentance. repentance. repentance. I want to talk to somebody here maybe I want to talk to somebody here maybe I want to talk to somebody here maybe that sat through this entire meeting and that sat through this entire meeting and that sat through this entire meeting and your heart's still cold. You got up this your heart's still cold. You got up this your heart's still cold. You got up this morning, you ain't prayed yet, done other things, household duties, got done other things, household duties, got yourself ready, hadn't opened your Bible yourself ready, hadn't opened your Bible yourself ready, hadn't opened your Bible yet. Uh, we, and I appreciate this, I yet. Uh, we, and I appreciate this, I yet. Uh, we, and I appreciate this, I ain't against this, but we've made it so ain't against this, but we've made it so ain't against this, but we've made it so convenient, people don't even carry convenient, people don't even carry convenient, people don't even carry Bibles anymore. What's use having a Bibles anymore. What's use having a Bibles anymore. What's use having a Bible? Uh oh God. It ought to be the Bible? Uh oh God. It ought to be the Bible? Uh oh God. It ought to be the most precious prized possession that we most precious prized possession that we most precious prized possession that we own. That's God's love letter to us. own. That's God's love letter to us. own. That's God's love letter to us. That's our marching orders. That's our That's our marching orders. That's our That's our marching orders. That's our That's our atlas, our road map going to That's our atlas, our road map going to That's our atlas, our road map going to get us to heaven. get us to heaven. get us to heaven. Ought to be precious. Ought to be precious. Ought to be precious. Amen. Amen. Amen. I was uh I was uh I was uh I I don't want to leave you no hope I I don't want to leave you no hope I I don't want to leave you no hope again. There was hope for Ephesus. again. There was hope for Ephesus. again. There was hope for Ephesus. I was just in Robinson County. We got I was just in Robinson County. We got I was just in Robinson County. We got some Robinson County transplants some Robinson County transplants some Robinson County transplants here tonight or this morning. here tonight or this morning. here tonight or this morning. I I wasn't long ago in Robinson County I I wasn't long ago in Robinson County I I wasn't long ago in Robinson County preaching. I I can't remember who said preaching. I I can't remember who said preaching. I I can't remember who said it. It was a brother church I was it. It was a brother church I was it. It was a brother church I was preaching in. Not it it kind of all preaching in. Not it it kind of all preaching in. Not it it kind of all blurs once it gets so so far be so many blurs once it gets so so far be so many blurs once it gets so so far be so many months behind me. It all kind of blurs months behind me. It all kind of blurs months behind me. It all kind of blurs together. don't even remember what together. don't even remember what together. don't even remember what church I was in, but I suppose I'll church I was in, but I suppose I'll church I was in, but I suppose I'll never forget what he said. never forget what he said. never forget what he said. He had been backsliding He had been backsliding He had been backsliding on God for above 20 years. on God for above 20 years. on God for above 20 years. Then a revival Then a revival Then a revival uh just before I came through there, God uh just before I came through there, God uh just before I came through there, God wondrously, gloriously saved him, wondrously, gloriously saved him, wondrously, gloriously saved him, redeemed him, purchased him, brought him redeemed him, purchased him, brought him redeemed him, purchased him, brought him back to the safety of the fold. back to the safety of the fold. back to the safety of the fold. pastor asked him to testify. He stood up pastor asked him to testify. He stood up pastor asked him to testify. He stood up and got to cry and got to testify and and got to cry and got to testify and and got to cry and got to testify and about how wicked he'd been and all that about how wicked he'd been and all that about how wicked he'd been and all that rottness he had done. He talked about rottness he had done. He talked about rottness he had done. He talked about God's goodness, loving him enough to God's goodness, loving him enough to God's goodness, loving him enough to bring him back. And here's what I'll bring him back. And here's what I'll bring him back. And here's what I'll never forget. I'll never forget as long never forget. I'll never forget as long never forget. I'll never forget as long as I live these last few words he said as I live these last few words he said as I live these last few words he said just before he sat down. Big tears just before he sat down. Big tears just before he sat down. Big tears running down his face. You know what he running down his face. You know what he running down his face. You know what he said? He said, "When I come home, I said? He said, "When I come home, I said? He said, "When I come home, I found out he loved me like I never found out he loved me like I never found out he loved me like I never left." left." left." Woo. Praise God. Don't you steal that Woo. Praise God. Don't you steal that Woo. Praise God. Don't you steal that and go off and preach it. I'm gonna and go off and preach it. I'm gonna and go off and preach it. I'm gonna preach it. I ain't preached it yet. He preach it. I ain't preached it yet. He preach it. I ain't preached it yet. He loved me like I never left. If y'all loved me like I never left. If y'all loved me like I never left. If y'all hear him preaching that, you call me. hear him preaching that, you call me. hear him preaching that, you call me. Let me know cuz I'm going to want some Let me know cuz I'm going to want some Let me know cuz I'm going to want some tithe off of it. Hallelujah. Praise God. tithe off of it. Hallelujah. Praise God. tithe off of it. Hallelujah. Praise God. He loved me. Brother Hunt might be He loved me. Brother Hunt might be He loved me. Brother Hunt might be preaching that Sunday. I don't know. He preaching that Sunday. I don't know. He preaching that Sunday. I don't know. He loved me like I never left. I'm glad loved me like I never left. I'm glad loved me like I never left. I'm glad he's that kind of God. Brother Joe, I'm he's that kind of God. Brother Joe, I'm he's that kind of God. Brother Joe, I'm glad he's that kind of God. Brother glad he's that kind of God. Brother glad he's that kind of God. Brother Hunt. He loved me like I never left. Hunt. He loved me like I never left. Hunt. He loved me like I never left. Praise God. We've all made some Praise God. We've all made some Praise God. We've all made some mistakes. There's been times we've all mistakes. There's been times we've all mistakes. There's been times we've all had [screaming] to crawl back to an had [screaming] to crawl back to an had [screaming] to crawl back to an altar and repent. But thank God, he altar and repent. But thank God, he altar and repent. But thank God, he loves us like we never left. He washes loves us like we never left. He washes loves us like we never left. He washes us. He cleanses us. He restores us. us. He cleanses us. He restores us. us. He cleanses us. He restores us. Stand with me, would you? Let's lift our Stand with me, would you? Let's lift our Stand with me, would you? Let's lift our hands and praise. hands and praise. hands and praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Come on, give the Lord a good praise Come on, give the Lord a good praise here. Thank him right out of your heart. here. Thank him right out of your heart. here. Thank him right out of your heart. Hallelujah. John was so overwhelmed. John was so overwhelmed. John 1 John 3, he said, "Behold what John 1 John 3, he said, "Behold what John 1 John 3, he said, "Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed manner of love the father hath bestowed manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called, upon us that we should be called, upon us that we should be called, sons of God, sons of God, sons of God, worms." Psalmist said, "I'm a worm and no man." Psalmist said, "I'm a worm and no man." But what are we? Who are we? Made a But what are we? Who are we? Made a But what are we? Who are we? Made a little lower than the angels. Who are we little lower than the angels. Who are we little lower than the angels. Who are we that God that God that God would so love us? would so love us? would so love us? Amen. Amen. Amen. The Bible said in that while we were yet The Bible said in that while we were yet The Bible said in that while we were yet sinners, sinners, sinners, Christ died for us. In our rebellion, he Christ died for us. In our rebellion, he Christ died for us. In our rebellion, he loved us. In our abomination, loved us. In our abomination, loved us. In our abomination, he loved us. In our transgressions, he loved us. In our transgressions, he loved us. In our transgressions, he loved us. In our iniquity, he loved us. In our iniquity, he loved us. In our iniquity, he loved us. and he gathered us unto he loved us. and he gathered us unto he loved us. and he gathered us unto himself. You know what I need every once himself. You know what I need every once himself. You know what I need every once in a while? I need to stir up that first in a while? I need to stir up that first in a while? I need to stir up that first love inside of me. I don't want to be love inside of me. I don't want to be love inside of me. I don't want to be guilty someday of preaching, preaching, guilty someday of preaching, preaching, guilty someday of preaching, preaching, preaching, traveling, preaching and get preaching, traveling, preaching and get preaching, traveling, preaching and get to the gate. He said, "You did good, to the gate. He said, "You did good, to the gate. He said, "You did good, son. You did good. Boy, you did a lot of son. You did good. Boy, you did a lot of son. You did good. Boy, you did a lot of good things. Nevertheless, good things. Nevertheless, good things. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against it." I have somewhat against it." I have somewhat against it." Let me talk to you about your first Let me talk to you about your first Let me talk to you about your first love. love. love. Oh, God. Oh God, I want him to be the Oh, God. Oh God, I want him to be the Oh, God. Oh God, I want him to be the most important person in my life. most important person in my life. most important person in my life. Come on, praise him one more time before Come on, praise him one more time before Come on, praise him one more time before we gather in these [music] altars. we gather in these [music] altars. we gather in these [music] altars. How about everybody that will, let's How about everybody that will, let's How about everybody that will, let's come find us a praying place. Maybe come find us a praying place. Maybe come find us a praying place. Maybe somebody needs to talk to him about your somebody needs to talk to him about your somebody needs to talk to him about your first love. first love. first love. Maybe somebody needs to make a Maybe somebody needs to make a Maybe somebody needs to make a turnaround. turnaround. turnaround. Maybe someone here this morning needs a Maybe someone here this morning needs a Maybe someone here this morning needs a self-examination, good long look. self-examination, good long look. self-examination, good long look. Maybe God stirred a hunger in you to Maybe God stirred a hunger in you to Maybe God stirred a hunger in you to come back. come back. come back. Come on home. There's a father Come on home. There's a father Come on home. There's a father waiting for you. Come on.
