The service honored Sister Anna's life, emphasizing biblical hope and faithfulness through scripture reading and personal reflections. The preacher highlighted her decades of Sunday school teaching and legacy of prayer, urging the congregation to embrace salvation before facing eternity.
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Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. shall [singing] shall [singing] be would have put off all the things I would have put off all the things I [singing] had to do. [singing] had to do. [singing] had to do. I would have stayed [singing] a little I would have stayed [singing] a little I would have stayed [singing] a little longer, held on a little tighter longer, held on a little tighter longer, held on a little tighter now. I' now. I' now. I' [singing] time. time. But I know you're in a But I know you're in a But I know you're in a [music] [music] [music] All your wounds [singing] All your wounds [singing] All your wounds [singing] have been healed. healed. The only [music] scars in heaven And all the old will [music] be made And all the old will [music] be made [singing] new. And the thought that [singing] new. And the thought that [singing] new. And the thought that makes me smile now. makes me smile now. makes me smile now. Even as the tears fall Even as the tears fall Even as the tears fall [singing and music] down. I know the road [singing] you walked I know the road [singing] you walked easy. easy. easy. You picked up your scars [singing] along You picked up your scars [singing] along You picked up your scars [singing] along the way, the way, the way, but now you're standing in the sun. You but now you're standing in the sun. You but now you're standing in the sun. You fought, you fight, and your race is run. fought, you fight, and your race is run. fought, you fight, and your race is run. The pain is all a [music and singing] The pain is all a [music and singing] The pain is all a [music and singing] million miles away. million miles away. million miles away. The only scars in heaven, it won't belong [singing and music] to it won't belong [singing and music] to me and you. And all the [singing and music] old will And all the [singing and music] old will be made new. And the thought that makes be made new. And the thought that makes be made new. And the thought that makes me smile now [music and singing] Is that the only [music] scars [singing] Is that the only [music] scars [singing] in heaven are on [music] the hands [singing] that are on [music] the hands [singing] that hold you down. hold you down. hold you down. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. There's not a [music and singing] day There's not a [music and singing] day goes by that I don't see you. I'm standing in the sun. I'll fight this I'm standing in the sun. I'll fight this fight in this race. I'll run until I fight in this race. I'll run until I fight in this race. I'll run until I finally see what you can see. finally see what you can see. finally see what you can see. Oh, Oh, Oh, the only [music] scars in heaven. There won't belong [singing and music] There won't belong [singing and music] to me and you. There'll be [music] no such thing as There'll be [music] no such thing as broken. All [music and singing] the old will be All [music and singing] the old will be made new. And the thought that makes me made new. And the thought that makes me made new. And the thought that makes me smile now. smile now. smile now. And even as the tears [music] fall down. Is that the only scars in heavens Is that the only scars in heavens [singing] Lord, that's such a powerful song, isn't Lord, that's such a powerful song, isn't it? You know, there's one set of scars it? You know, there's one set of scars it? You know, there's one set of scars in heaven. They belong to Jesus Christ. in heaven. They belong to Jesus Christ. in heaven. They belong to Jesus Christ. And when you have a scar, that means you And when you have a scar, that means you And when you have a scar, that means you have a wound. And he was wounded for our have a wound. And he was wounded for our have a wound. And he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our transgressions, bruised for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. And when you have a wound, iniquities. And when you have a wound, iniquities. And when you have a wound, you have blood that falls from that you have blood that falls from that you have blood that falls from that wound. The blood of Jesus Christ this wound. The blood of Jesus Christ this wound. The blood of Jesus Christ this morning is still able to change the life morning is still able to change the life morning is still able to change the life of a man or woman. That blood is still of a man or woman. That blood is still of a man or woman. That blood is still powerful and is still able and those powerful and is still able and those powerful and is still able and those scars are holding Sister Anna uh this scars are holding Sister Anna uh this scars are holding Sister Anna uh this morning. Um I can only imagine how she morning. Um I can only imagine how she morning. Um I can only imagine how she feels. Nobody can until you depart from feels. Nobody can until you depart from feels. Nobody can until you depart from this life to uh the other life in the this life to uh the other life in the this life to uh the other life in the presence of the Lord. I'd like to presence of the Lord. I'd like to presence of the Lord. I'd like to welcome everyone today to Sister Ana's welcome everyone today to Sister Ana's welcome everyone today to Sister Ana's homegoing service. On behalf of the homegoing service. On behalf of the homegoing service. On behalf of the family, thank everyone for coming to family, thank everyone for coming to family, thank everyone for coming to show your support and your prayers and show your support and your prayers and show your support and your prayers and your love. They'll not only need your your love. They'll not only need your your love. They'll not only need your prayers and support today, but they'll prayers and support today, but they'll prayers and support today, but they'll need your prayers and support from here need your prayers and support from here need your prayers and support from here on out in the coming days. Uh as well, on out in the coming days. Uh as well, on out in the coming days. Uh as well, we do give our condolences to the we do give our condolences to the we do give our condolences to the family. Uh someone said earlier, we got family. Uh someone said earlier, we got family. Uh someone said earlier, we got a large family. Uh you do. And so we're a large family. Uh you do. And so we're a large family. Uh you do. And so we're sitting there watching. Normally, you sitting there watching. Normally, you sitting there watching. Normally, you might have two or three rows. We have a might have two or three rows. We have a might have two or three rows. We have a whole midsection full of family. Sister whole midsection full of family. Sister whole midsection full of family. Sister Anna was a blessed lady, wasn't she? And Anna was a blessed lady, wasn't she? And Anna was a blessed lady, wasn't she? And you y'all were blessed and are blessed you y'all were blessed and are blessed you y'all were blessed and are blessed too um for her uh being part of you and too um for her uh being part of you and too um for her uh being part of you and you being part of her. Um I am honored you being part of her. Um I am honored you being part of her. Um I am honored to be a asked to mention a few words to be a asked to mention a few words to be a asked to mention a few words this morning um in this homegoing this morning um in this homegoing this morning um in this homegoing services. Um I'm going to read a services. Um I'm going to read a services. Um I'm going to read a scripture and there scriptures first uh scripture and there scriptures first uh scripture and there scriptures first uh two scriptures actually. First two scriptures actually. First two scriptures actually. First Thessalonians 4:13-14. Thessalonians 4:13-14. Thessalonians 4:13-14. But I would not have you be ignorant, But I would not have you be ignorant, But I would not have you be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are brethren, concerning them which are brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as asleep, that you sorrow not, even as asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we others which have no hope. For if we others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, believe that Jesus died and rose again, believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus even so them also which sleep in Jesus even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. And then Romans will God bring with him. And then Romans will God bring with him. And then Romans 15:13, now the God of hope fill you with 15:13, now the God of hope fill you with 15:13, now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace and believing that you all joy and peace and believing that you all joy and peace and believing that you may abound in hope through the power of may abound in hope through the power of may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. And that's the thought the Holy Ghost. And that's the thought the Holy Ghost. And that's the thought in this scripture I want to encourage in this scripture I want to encourage in this scripture I want to encourage this family with this morning. And this family with this morning. And this family with this morning. And that's simply the God of hope. The God that's simply the God of hope. The God that's simply the God of hope. The God of hope. As that scripture mentions, we of hope. As that scripture mentions, we of hope. As that scripture mentions, we do have a God of hope. Now, when we say do have a God of hope. Now, when we say do have a God of hope. Now, when we say hope, uh you know, when you use the hope hope, uh you know, when you use the hope hope, uh you know, when you use the hope in the English context like I sure hope in the English context like I sure hope in the English context like I sure hope so, or I hope he's coming or I hope this so, or I hope he's coming or I hope this so, or I hope he's coming or I hope this happens, then you're talking about maybe happens, then you're talking about maybe happens, then you're talking about maybe a superstition or or a wannabe. But see, a superstition or or a wannabe. But see, a superstition or or a wannabe. But see, that's not the type of hope the Bible's that's not the type of hope the Bible's that's not the type of hope the Bible's talking about here. The meaning of the talking about here. The meaning of the talking about here. The meaning of the word hope. The hope in the Greek is word hope. The hope in the Greek is word hope. The hope in the Greek is ellipses. And what that means is it ellipses. And what that means is it ellipses. And what that means is it means it's not wishful thinking or means it's not wishful thinking or means it's not wishful thinking or desire. It means a confident expectation desire. It means a confident expectation desire. It means a confident expectation and joyful anticipation of what's to and joyful anticipation of what's to and joyful anticipation of what's to come. And that's what sistera had. She come. And that's what sistera had. She come. And that's what sistera had. She had a hope and she lived with that hope had a hope and she lived with that hope had a hope and she lived with that hope and she died with that hope. And it and she died with that hope. And it and she died with that hope. And it wasn't just a hope this happens or that wasn't just a hope this happens or that wasn't just a hope this happens or that happens. She had a con an expectation happens. She had a con an expectation happens. She had a con an expectation and she knew what was certain to come in and she knew what was certain to come in and she knew what was certain to come in her life. All right. When she left this her life. All right. When she left this her life. All right. When she left this world, biblical hope is anchored in world, biblical hope is anchored in world, biblical hope is anchored in God's promises and his character. It's God's promises and his character. It's God's promises and his character. It's not anchored in uncertainty. Our hope is not anchored in uncertainty. Our hope is not anchored in uncertainty. Our hope is not uncertain. It is anchored in the not uncertain. It is anchored in the not uncertain. It is anchored in the word and the promises of God. It brings word and the promises of God. It brings word and the promises of God. It brings a settled conviction that God will a settled conviction that God will a settled conviction that God will indeed fulfill his word. How many of you indeed fulfill his word. How many of you indeed fulfill his word. How many of you know God does fulfill his word? Amen. So know God does fulfill his word? Amen. So know God does fulfill his word? Amen. So again he did he does and he will every again he did he does and he will every again he did he does and he will every word will be completed and fulfilled in word will be completed and fulfilled in word will be completed and fulfilled in that holy scripture uh the of the bible that holy scripture uh the of the bible that holy scripture uh the of the bible uh our hope is not rooted in uh our hope is not rooted in uh our hope is not rooted in superstition wise tales it's the fact of superstition wise tales it's the fact of superstition wise tales it's the fact of Jesus Christ was born he died he Jesus Christ was born he died he Jesus Christ was born he died he resurrected he ascended back to the resurrected he ascended back to the resurrected he ascended back to the right hand of the father these are right hand of the father these are right hand of the father these are historical facts all right so that's historical facts all right so that's historical facts all right so that's where our hope rest um you know it's where our hope rest um you know it's where our hope rest um you know it's been said when a child of God dies don't been said when a child of God dies don't been said when a child of God dies don't grieve for them we're not grieving on grieve for them we're not grieving on grieve for them we're not grieving on sister Anna this morning we're rejoicing sister Anna this morning we're rejoicing sister Anna this morning we're rejoicing for her the world don't understand that for her the world don't understand that for her the world don't understand that but those who are born again and God but those who are born again and God but those who are born again and God give you an understanding you we give you an understanding you we give you an understanding you we understand that don't we s so we're understand that don't we s so we're understand that don't we s so we're rejoicing for sister Anna we grieve for rejoicing for sister Anna we grieve for rejoicing for sister Anna we grieve for ourselves when you when someone dies ourselves when you when someone dies ourselves when you when someone dies that is ready to leave this world we that is ready to leave this world we that is ready to leave this world we don't grieve for them we grieve for don't grieve for them we grieve for don't grieve for them we grieve for ourselves the family is grieving this ourselves the family is grieving this ourselves the family is grieving this morning they missed their mother the morning they missed their mother the morning they missed their mother the grandmother and so forth so they uh we grandmother and so forth so they uh we grandmother and so forth so they uh we grieve for ourselves when you have a grieve for ourselves when you have a grieve for ourselves when you have a child of God that leaves this world. child of God that leaves this world. child of God that leaves this world. It's when the sinner dies lost and It's when the sinner dies lost and It's when the sinner dies lost and undone without God that you grieve for undone without God that you grieve for undone without God that you grieve for him. But for the saint, we don't grieve him. But for the saint, we don't grieve him. But for the saint, we don't grieve for her. We rejoice with her. Her battle for her. We rejoice with her. Her battle for her. We rejoice with her. Her battle is finished. She has fought a good is finished. She has fought a good is finished. She has fought a good fight. She's kept the faith. She's fight. She's kept the faith. She's fight. She's kept the faith. She's finished her course. And that is a crown finished her course. And that is a crown finished her course. And that is a crown of life awaiting for her. Not alone. No of life awaiting for her. Not alone. No of life awaiting for her. Not alone. No longer awaiting. She has it in the longer awaiting. She has it in the longer awaiting. She has it in the presence of Jesus Christ. This morning, presence of Jesus Christ. This morning, presence of Jesus Christ. This morning, uh, Sister Aa preached her own funeral uh, Sister Aa preached her own funeral uh, Sister Aa preached her own funeral for years. There's nothing I can add to for years. There's nothing I can add to for years. There's nothing I can add to what Sister Anna's done and lived her what Sister Anna's done and lived her what Sister Anna's done and lived her life and the family. Y'all can attest to life and the family. Y'all can attest to life and the family. Y'all can attest to that, too. She's preached her own that, too. She's preached her own that, too. She's preached her own funeral. She's lived her own legacy. funeral. She's lived her own legacy. funeral. She's lived her own legacy. She's demonstrated her savior and and She's demonstrated her savior and and She's demonstrated her savior and and and uh very well uh over the years that and uh very well uh over the years that and uh very well uh over the years that I've known her, and I'm sure she has I've known her, and I'm sure she has I've known her, and I'm sure she has before I even known her. So, again, before I even known her. So, again, before I even known her. So, again, she's preached her own funeral. She she's preached her own funeral. She she's preached her own funeral. She lived with a hope I mentioned uh lived with a hope I mentioned uh lived with a hope I mentioned uh evidenced in 40 plus years. I didn't evidenced in 40 plus years. I didn't evidenced in 40 plus years. I didn't know exactly how many years she prayed know exactly how many years she prayed know exactly how many years she prayed for brother Fred. Does anybody know for brother Fred. Does anybody know for brother Fred. Does anybody know family? over 40. I put 40 plus so I family? over 40. I put 40 plus so I family? over 40. I put 40 plus so I covered it. All right. 40 plus years covered it. All right. 40 plus years covered it. All right. 40 plus years this woman prayed for her husband and it this woman prayed for her husband and it this woman prayed for her husband and it may have took 40 plus years of praying may have took 40 plus years of praying may have took 40 plus years of praying but guess what happened to brother Freya but guess what happened to brother Freya but guess what happened to brother Freya one day? Walked down to this aisle and one day? Walked down to this aisle and one day? Walked down to this aisle and he gave his heart to the Lord and he was he gave his heart to the Lord and he was he gave his heart to the Lord and he was not the same man's sense. That blood we not the same man's sense. That blood we not the same man's sense. That blood we talked about changed that man's life. talked about changed that man's life. talked about changed that man's life. Not only has sister spent 40 plus years Not only has sister spent 40 plus years Not only has sister spent 40 plus years praying for Fred, she spent quite a few praying for Fred, she spent quite a few praying for Fred, she spent quite a few years praying for this family. every one years praying for this family. every one years praying for this family. every one of you very there's a lot of prayer of you very there's a lot of prayer of you very there's a lot of prayer bells that were rang in that older house bells that were rang in that older house bells that were rang in that older house they used to live in and in the newer they used to live in and in the newer they used to live in and in the newer house a lot of prayer bells rang a lot house a lot of prayer bells rang a lot house a lot of prayer bells rang a lot of tears shared and a lot of prayers of tears shared and a lot of prayers of tears shared and a lot of prayers going up to heaven on behalf of you all going up to heaven on behalf of you all going up to heaven on behalf of you all but do understand this when someone dies but do understand this when someone dies but do understand this when someone dies the prayers don't the prayers are not the prayers don't the prayers are not the prayers don't the prayers are not forgotten by God they don't end by there forgotten by God they don't end by there forgotten by God they don't end by there uh there's prayers being answered today uh there's prayers being answered today uh there's prayers being answered today by saints that have gone on home that by saints that have gone on home that by saints that have gone on home that are prayed weeks and years ago because are prayed weeks and years ago because are prayed weeks and years ago because God stores those prayers in vials and he God stores those prayers in vials and he God stores those prayers in vials and he doesn't forget them because someone doesn't forget them because someone doesn't forget them because someone leaves. So, do know that that this lady leaves. So, do know that that this lady leaves. So, do know that that this lady laying here this uh morning, her prayers laying here this uh morning, her prayers laying here this uh morning, her prayers over the years are still having effect over the years are still having effect over the years are still having effect and God's still going to honor those and God's still going to honor those and God's still going to honor those prayers and I believe that. Can you say prayers and I believe that. Can you say prayers and I believe that. Can you say amen? All right. So, again, she preached amen? All right. So, again, she preached amen? All right. So, again, she preached her own funeral. She was a woman of her own funeral. She was a woman of her own funeral. She was a woman of faith. Uh she prayed many a prayer for faith. Uh she prayed many a prayer for faith. Uh she prayed many a prayer for her family. her family. her family. This family lives, the family lives with This family lives, the family lives with This family lives, the family lives with that hope. Sister Sandy, I know lives that hope. Sister Sandy, I know lives that hope. Sister Sandy, I know lives with the same hope that we're talking with the same hope that we're talking with the same hope that we're talking about the hope that this is not goodbye. about the hope that this is not goodbye. about the hope that this is not goodbye. And I say this at every funeral that I'm And I say this at every funeral that I'm And I say this at every funeral that I'm asked and honored to be able to be a asked and honored to be able to be a asked and honored to be able to be a part of. It's not goodbye. It's until we part of. It's not goodbye. It's until we part of. It's not goodbye. It's until we meet again. If you're if you're a child meet again. If you're if you're a child meet again. If you're if you're a child of God, it's not so long. It's not of God, it's not so long. It's not of God, it's not so long. It's not goodbye, but it's until we meet again goodbye, but it's until we meet again goodbye, but it's until we meet again because there will be a homecoming. Uh because there will be a homecoming. Uh because there will be a homecoming. Uh one day, and I believe one day soon. Um, one day, and I believe one day soon. Um, one day, and I believe one day soon. Um, now sister AA was devoted Christian now sister AA was devoted Christian now sister AA was devoted Christian whose faith guided her through her life. whose faith guided her through her life. whose faith guided her through her life. And I asked L God because again I didn't And I asked L God because again I didn't And I asked L God because again I didn't want to come up here in the spirit of want to come up here in the spirit of want to come up here in the spirit of Robert and what what his heart wanted Robert and what what his heart wanted Robert and what what his heart wanted him to say. I wanted to come up here him to say. I wanted to come up here him to say. I wanted to come up here what I felt the Lord would want me to what I felt the Lord would want me to what I felt the Lord would want me to say. And this is what I felt he put in say. And this is what I felt he put in say. And this is what I felt he put in my spirit. The word that he put in my my spirit. The word that he put in my my spirit. The word that he put in my spirit is faithful. spirit is faithful. spirit is faithful. Sister Anna was a faithful saint of God. Sister Anna was a faithful saint of God. Sister Anna was a faithful saint of God. She had faith, but she was also She had faith, but she was also She had faith, but she was also faithful. Revelation 2:10 says, "Fear faithful. Revelation 2:10 says, "Fear faithful. Revelation 2:10 says, "Fear not of those things which thou shalt not of those things which thou shalt not of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison. You may be some of you into prison. You may be some of you into prison. You may be tried. You shall have tribulation 10 tried. You shall have tribulation 10 tried. You shall have tribulation 10 days, but be thou faithful unto death, days, but be thou faithful unto death, days, but be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." and I will give thee a crown of life." and I will give thee a crown of life." So, not only does she have a crown of So, not only does she have a crown of So, not only does she have a crown of righteousness this morning, she has a righteousness this morning, she has a righteousness this morning, she has a crown of life because she was faithful crown of life because she was faithful crown of life because she was faithful up until her last breath. Amen. So up until her last breath. Amen. So up until her last breath. Amen. So again, she that that's the sister Anna again, she that that's the sister Anna again, she that that's the sister Anna that I knew. Um, now sister Anna for that I knew. Um, now sister Anna for that I knew. Um, now sister Anna for more than 40 years, she taught Sunday more than 40 years, she taught Sunday more than 40 years, she taught Sunday school. And some of this is in the school. And some of this is in the school. And some of this is in the obituary, but I'd like to elaborate here obituary, but I'd like to elaborate here obituary, but I'd like to elaborate here because some of it involves me and my because some of it involves me and my because some of it involves me and my family. Sister Anna taught my sister. My family. Sister Anna taught my sister. My family. Sister Anna taught my sister. My sister was about eight years old in the sister was about eight years old in the sister was about eight years old in the Hancock Street Church of God. I found Hancock Street Church of God. I found Hancock Street Church of God. I found out sister Sandy it was Renee that I was out sister Sandy it was Renee that I was out sister Sandy it was Renee that I was I was 16 and moved on and it was Renee. I was 16 and moved on and it was Renee. I was 16 and moved on and it was Renee. So, uh, she taught Renee, my sister, So, uh, she taught Renee, my sister, So, uh, she taught Renee, my sister, Sunday school when my sister was around Sunday school when my sister was around Sunday school when my sister was around 8. That was somewhere around 1980 8. That was somewhere around 1980 8. That was somewhere around 1980 approximately. Okay. Um, then when I got approximately. Okay. Um, then when I got approximately. Okay. Um, then when I got saved in 1993, saved in 1993, saved in 1993, she was my Sunday school teacher. she was my Sunday school teacher. she was my Sunday school teacher. And as a young Christian, she made a she And as a young Christian, she made a she And as a young Christian, she made a she made an awesome made an awesome made an awesome impact on my life. impact on my life. impact on my life. um demonstrating her love, showing her um demonstrating her love, showing her um demonstrating her love, showing her her her students, her church family that her her students, her church family that her her students, her church family that she loved them. Every every Christmas she loved them. Every every Christmas she loved them. Every every Christmas she'd hand every student a bag of she'd hand every student a bag of she'd hand every student a bag of homemade candy in the young adult class homemade candy in the young adult class homemade candy in the young adult class over in the old church on the other side over in the old church on the other side over in the old church on the other side of the railroad track. I found out of the railroad track. I found out of the railroad track. I found out though that Sister Anna solicited some though that Sister Anna solicited some though that Sister Anna solicited some help, didn't she, Sister Sandy? But she help, didn't she, Sister Sandy? But she help, didn't she, Sister Sandy? But she didn't just buy storebought candy. That didn't just buy storebought candy. That didn't just buy storebought candy. That was homemade candy. Homemade. It was all was homemade candy. Homemade. It was all was homemade candy. Homemade. It was all good. she has solicited help to get good. she has solicited help to get good. she has solicited help to get those bags ready. I thank you to Sister those bags ready. I thank you to Sister those bags ready. I thank you to Sister Sandy and whoever else helped her fix Sandy and whoever else helped her fix Sandy and whoever else helped her fix those bags. They did make a impression those bags. They did make a impression those bags. They did make a impression on me as a young Christian. Um when she on me as a young Christian. Um when she on me as a young Christian. Um when she stepped down stepped down stepped down from Sunday school, she was the adult from Sunday school, she was the adult from Sunday school, she was the adult class teacher here in this building. She class teacher here in this building. She class teacher here in this building. She had taught 40 years and she felt it was had taught 40 years and she felt it was had taught 40 years and she felt it was time to step down. In fact, last night time to step down. In fact, last night time to step down. In fact, last night at that video you played at your wake, at that video you played at your wake, at that video you played at your wake, there was a picture of her receiving a there was a picture of her receiving a there was a picture of her receiving a plaque up here in front of the church. plaque up here in front of the church. plaque up here in front of the church. Brother Hunt, myself was standing up Brother Hunt, myself was standing up Brother Hunt, myself was standing up here with her and she was honored with a here with her and she was honored with a here with her and she was honored with a plaque for those 40 years. So, uh, she plaque for those 40 years. So, uh, she plaque for those 40 years. So, uh, she taught this class here as well. Um, and taught this class here as well. Um, and taught this class here as well. Um, and then the circle comes around. Um, the then the circle comes around. Um, the then the circle comes around. Um, the last few years, last few years, last few years, um, I've been Sunday school teacher um, I've been Sunday school teacher um, I've been Sunday school teacher right here and Sister Anna's been right here and Sister Anna's been right here and Sister Anna's been sitting in my class. Sister Anna would sitting in my class. Sister Anna would sitting in my class. Sister Anna would always encourage me. You, that was good. always encourage me. You, that was good. always encourage me. You, that was good. That was good teaching this morning. That was good teaching this morning. That was good teaching this morning. She'd always give me an encouraging word She'd always give me an encouraging word She'd always give me an encouraging word and that means a lot from a lady that and that means a lot from a lady that and that means a lot from a lady that taught for 40 years. So, she always was taught for 40 years. So, she always was taught for 40 years. So, she always was made sure she took the time to encourage made sure she took the time to encourage made sure she took the time to encourage me. Uh, the one memory I had of Sister me. Uh, the one memory I had of Sister me. Uh, the one memory I had of Sister Anna years ago here in this church, Anna years ago here in this church, Anna years ago here in this church, Brother Steven, where you at, Stephen? Brother Steven, where you at, Stephen? Brother Steven, where you at, Stephen? Nipper? Nipper? Nipper? He was about this tall. Sister Ana said, He was about this tall. Sister Ana said, He was about this tall. Sister Ana said, "Look, would you teach Stephen how to "Look, would you teach Stephen how to "Look, would you teach Stephen how to play the drums?" You remember that, play the drums?" You remember that, play the drums?" You remember that, Stephen? Stephen? Stephen? Now, look, I didn't know how to play the Now, look, I didn't know how to play the Now, look, I didn't know how to play the drums. So, it's kind of like the blind drums. So, it's kind of like the blind drums. So, it's kind of like the blind leading the blind. And I know how to leading the blind. And I know how to leading the blind. And I know how to beat on them. I didn't know how to play beat on them. I didn't know how to play beat on them. I didn't know how to play them. But I I did my best. So we had we them. But I I did my best. So we had we them. But I I did my best. So we had we had a couple lessons. Sister Anna would had a couple lessons. Sister Anna would had a couple lessons. Sister Anna would bring him out, took the time because she bring him out, took the time because she bring him out, took the time because she loved that young man right there. And loved that young man right there. And loved that young man right there. And she wanted him to learn how to play the she wanted him to learn how to play the she wanted him to learn how to play the drums so he could play here for the for drums so he could play here for the for drums so he could play here for the for the house of God and for the Lord. So I the house of God and for the Lord. So I the house of God and for the Lord. So I that was a that's a fond memory that I that was a that's a fond memory that I that was a that's a fond memory that I have, Stephen, of both you and your have, Stephen, of both you and your have, Stephen, of both you and your grandmother. Uh the love that she showed grandmother. Uh the love that she showed grandmother. Uh the love that she showed uh and the desire that she had for you. uh and the desire that she had for you. uh and the desire that she had for you. Um, Sister Anna has left a footprint in Um, Sister Anna has left a footprint in Um, Sister Anna has left a footprint in a lot of hearts. If Sister Anna has left a lot of hearts. If Sister Anna has left a lot of hearts. If Sister Anna has left a footprint in your hearts, raise your a footprint in your hearts, raise your a footprint in your hearts, raise your hand. Family, look around. Your mother hand. Family, look around. Your mother hand. Family, look around. Your mother left a lot of footprints. In a lot of left a lot of footprints. In a lot of left a lot of footprints. In a lot of hearts. She knew. How many of you have hearts. She knew. How many of you have hearts. She knew. How many of you have received a call on your birthday? Raise received a call on your birthday? Raise received a call on your birthday? Raise your hand. your hand. your hand. Look around. Look around. Look around. Anniversary. Raise your hand. Anniversary. Raise your hand. Anniversary. Raise your hand. Sister Anna would call me on my Sister Anna would call me on my Sister Anna would call me on my birthday. She said, "I didn't want birthday. She said, "I didn't want birthday. She said, "I didn't want anything. I just want to wish you a anything. I just want to wish you a anything. I just want to wish you a happy birthday. happy birthday. happy birthday. Valerie, she did the same. And this back Valerie, she did the same. And this back Valerie, she did the same. And this back in April, we had um our anniversary and in April, we had um our anniversary and in April, we had um our anniversary and she she told Valerie, she said, "I was she she told Valerie, she said, "I was she she told Valerie, she said, "I was trying to call you, but your number was trying to call you, but your number was trying to call you, but your number was wrong in the book." I think was what the wrong in the book." I think was what the wrong in the book." I think was what the issue what the key was on her number. Uh issue what the key was on her number. Uh issue what the key was on her number. Uh but she always made it a point to call. but she always made it a point to call. but she always made it a point to call. That was Sister Anna. That was ministry. That was Sister Anna. That was ministry. That was Sister Anna. That was ministry. That was encouraging. So, she left a lot That was encouraging. So, she left a lot That was encouraging. So, she left a lot of footprints on a lot of hearts. Um she of footprints on a lot of hearts. Um she of footprints on a lot of hearts. Um she spent many years babysitting. And again, spent many years babysitting. And again, spent many years babysitting. And again, that's an obituary. I'll read in a that's an obituary. I'll read in a that's an obituary. I'll read in a moment. Um, moment. Um, moment. Um, and I'll my closing comments as far as and I'll my closing comments as far as and I'll my closing comments as far as Sister Anna would be this. Sometimes we Sister Anna would be this. Sometimes we Sister Anna would be this. Sometimes we think loved ones lose their desire to think loved ones lose their desire to think loved ones lose their desire to live and their desire to fight. You live and their desire to fight. You live and their desire to fight. You know, we've he all heard the term know, we've he all heard the term know, we've he all heard the term they're getting tired or they just lost they're getting tired or they just lost they're getting tired or they just lost their desire to fight. But I don't think their desire to fight. But I don't think their desire to fight. But I don't think that's always the case. I thank God to that's always the case. I thank God to that's always the case. I thank God to help me understand the reality is uh help me understand the reality is uh help me understand the reality is uh that they did not lose their desire here that they did not lose their desire here that they did not lose their desire here but their desire to go home was became but their desire to go home was became but their desire to go home was became greater than their desire here doesn't greater than their desire here doesn't greater than their desire here doesn't mean that they give up the will to live mean that they give up the will to live mean that they give up the will to live doesn't mean that everybody does give up doesn't mean that everybody does give up doesn't mean that everybody does give up to fight but people get tired and and to fight but people get tired and and to fight but people get tired and and and I know from personal experience my and I know from personal experience my and I know from personal experience my dad told me the same thing the week dad told me the same thing the week dad told me the same thing the week before he died he said I love you son before he died he said I love you son before he died he said I love you son but I'm ready to go home his desire to but I'm ready to go home his desire to but I'm ready to go home his desire to go home was greater than his desire to go home was greater than his desire to go home was greater than his desire to stay with does. And again, sister Anna stay with does. And again, sister Anna stay with does. And again, sister Anna was longing uh to go home. I believe was longing uh to go home. I believe was longing uh to go home. I believe that based on some things I've heard. that based on some things I've heard. that based on some things I've heard. So, uh again, her desire to see the So, uh again, her desire to see the So, uh again, her desire to see the savior became greater. And that's that's savior became greater. And that's that's savior became greater. And that's that's a testimony to leave uh a family and a a testimony to leave uh a family and a a testimony to leave uh a family and a legacy to leave a family. It's always legacy to leave a family. It's always legacy to leave a family. It's always been said when someone becomes a memory, been said when someone becomes a memory, been said when someone becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. Treasure that memory becomes a treasure. Treasure that memory becomes a treasure. Treasure your memories. Cry when you must, laugh your memories. Cry when you must, laugh your memories. Cry when you must, laugh when you can. Draw near to the Lord. He when you can. Draw near to the Lord. He when you can. Draw near to the Lord. He is not to those who have a broken heart is not to those who have a broken heart is not to those who have a broken heart that will humble himself and yield that will humble himself and yield that will humble himself and yield himself to them and he brings healing in himself to them and he brings healing in himself to them and he brings healing in his wings. All right. I I'm going to his wings. All right. I I'm going to his wings. All right. I I'm going to read this obituary. It says Ana Crocker read this obituary. It says Ana Crocker read this obituary. It says Ana Crocker Norris age 88 entered into the arms of Norris age 88 entered into the arms of Norris age 88 entered into the arms of our savior Monday June 22nd 2026. our savior Monday June 22nd 2026. our savior Monday June 22nd 2026. And by the way some of you some the And by the way some of you some the And by the way some of you some the family knows some of you may know some family knows some of you may know some family knows some of you may know some of you may not. Today is brother Fred of you may not. Today is brother Fred of you may not. Today is brother Fred Norris's birthday. They're together, They're together, right? He passed in June. He passed in right? He passed in June. He passed in right? He passed in June. He passed in June as well, June 30th. But today is June as well, June 30th. But today is June as well, June 30th. But today is his birthday. They had they've already his birthday. They had they've already his birthday. They had they've already had a reunion. had a reunion. had a reunion. They're both in the same place. They're both in the same place. They're both in the same place. Entered into the arms of her savior Entered into the arms of her savior Entered into the arms of her savior Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at this uh Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at this uh Monday, June 22nd, 2026 at this uh hospice house in Smithfield. Born on hospice house in Smithfield. Born on hospice house in Smithfield. Born on October 14th, 1937, Johnston County. She October 14th, 1937, Johnston County. She October 14th, 1937, Johnston County. She was the daughter of the late Anna and was the daughter of the late Anna and was the daughter of the late Anna and George Crocker. In addition to her George Crocker. In addition to her George Crocker. In addition to her parents, Anna is preceded in death by parents, Anna is preceded in death by parents, Anna is preceded in death by her husband Fred Earl Nort, daughter her husband Fred Earl Nort, daughter her husband Fred Earl Nort, daughter Gail Cook, son-in-law John Cook, and Gail Cook, son-in-law John Cook, and Gail Cook, son-in-law John Cook, and daughter-in-law Pam Norris. Sister Anna daughter-in-law Pam Norris. Sister Anna daughter-in-law Pam Norris. Sister Anna was a devoted Christian whose faith was a devoted Christian whose faith was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her throughout her life. She guided her throughout her life. She guided her throughout her life. She dearly loved the Lord and her church dearly loved the Lord and her church dearly loved the Lord and her church family and was a longtime member of the family and was a longtime member of the family and was a longtime member of the Wilson Mills Church of God for more than Wilson Mills Church of God for more than Wilson Mills Church of God for more than 40 years. 40 years. 40 years. She faithfully taught Sunday school, She faithfully taught Sunday school, She faithfully taught Sunday school, sharing God's love and wisdom with all sharing God's love and wisdom with all sharing God's love and wisdom with all who entered her classroom. Anna also who entered her classroom. Anna also who entered her classroom. Anna also spent many years babysitting for local spent many years babysitting for local spent many years babysitting for local families, caring for countless children families, caring for countless children families, caring for countless children as if they were her own. Nothing brought as if they were her own. Nothing brought as if they were her own. Nothing brought Sister Anna greater joy than spending Sister Anna greater joy than spending Sister Anna greater joy than spending time with her children, her time with her children, her time with her children, her grandchildren, and her grandchildren, and her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren, especially during great-grandchildren, especially during great-grandchildren, especially during the holiday season. Can y'all say amen? the holiday season. Can y'all say amen? the holiday season. Can y'all say amen? She had a lot she had a long shopping She had a lot she had a long shopping She had a lot she had a long shopping list around the holiday season, didn't list around the holiday season, didn't list around the holiday season, didn't she? She loved her grandchildren, her she? She loved her grandchildren, her she? She loved her grandchildren, her family. That's that's what she loved. family. That's that's what she loved. family. That's that's what she loved. Um, she collected salt pepper shakers, Um, she collected salt pepper shakers, Um, she collected salt pepper shakers, buying them on trips, receiving them as buying them on trips, receiving them as buying them on trips, receiving them as gifts. She owned an estimated over 500 gifts. She owned an estimated over 500 gifts. She owned an estimated over 500 sets. sets. sets. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed In her quieter moments, she enjoyed In her quieter moments, she enjoyed watching game shows, tending to her watching game shows, tending to her watching game shows, tending to her beautiful flowers, delighting in the beautiful flowers, delighting in the beautiful flowers, delighting in the birds that came to visit. Anna would be birds that came to visit. Anna would be birds that came to visit. Anna would be remembered for her strong faith, her remembered for her strong faith, her remembered for her strong faith, her loving heart, and I'm going to add this loving heart, and I'm going to add this loving heart, and I'm going to add this that that God and her faithfulness. She that that God and her faithfulness. She that that God and her faithfulness. She was faithful. was faithful. was faithful. Anna survived by her children, Billy Anna survived by her children, Billy Anna survived by her children, Billy Norris and Barbara, Jimmy Norris and Norris and Barbara, Jimmy Norris and Norris and Barbara, Jimmy Norris and Tina, Danny Norris, Vicky Norris, Sandy Tina, Danny Norris, Vicky Norris, Sandy Tina, Danny Norris, Vicky Norris, Sandy Norris, Sharon Moore and Shane. Norris, Sharon Moore and Shane. Norris, Sharon Moore and Shane. Grandchildren, Kelly, Jennifer, Carrie, Grandchildren, Kelly, Jennifer, Carrie, Grandchildren, Kelly, Jennifer, Carrie, Tracy, Stephanie, Jonathan, Julie, Tracy, Stephanie, Jonathan, Julie, Tracy, Stephanie, Jonathan, Julie, Britney, Stephen, Justin, Silas, and Britney, Stephen, Justin, Silas, and Britney, Stephen, Justin, Silas, and Sawyer, and many great grandchildren, Sawyer, and many great grandchildren, Sawyer, and many great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild by the and one great great grandchild by the and one great great grandchild by the way. What a family. What a legacy. This way. What a family. What a legacy. This way. What a family. What a legacy. This time I'd like to ask you to bow your time I'd like to ask you to bow your time I'd like to ask you to bow your heads as we pray. Heavenly Father, we heads as we pray. Heavenly Father, we heads as we pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you Lord today for your presence thank you Lord today for your presence thank you Lord today for your presence among this service. We thank you father among this service. We thank you father among this service. We thank you father as we honor Sister Nana's life and as we honor Sister Nana's life and as we honor Sister Nana's life and legacy. And we thank you Lord for legacy. And we thank you Lord for legacy. And we thank you Lord for demonstrating your your faithfulness and demonstrating your your faithfulness and demonstrating your your faithfulness and she demonstrated her faithfulness. And she demonstrated her faithfulness. And she demonstrated her faithfulness. And Father, we pray today for this family. Father, we pray today for this family. Father, we pray today for this family. We pray for the remainder of this We pray for the remainder of this We pray for the remainder of this service, God, because there is a word service, God, because there is a word service, God, because there is a word and a hope that you have for all people and a hope that you have for all people and a hope that you have for all people who are sitting here in this building. who are sitting here in this building. who are sitting here in this building. And father, we just pray that you would And father, we just pray that you would And father, we just pray that you would anoint the message and the word God and anoint the message and the word God and anoint the message and the word God and your will be done in the remaining of your will be done in the remaining of your will be done in the remaining of this service that you be glorified. this service that you be glorified. this service that you be glorified. Strengthen this family, go with them, go Strengthen this family, go with them, go Strengthen this family, go with them, go before them. You said some plant seed, before them. You said some plant seed, before them. You said some plant seed, some water seed, Father, that's what some water seed, Father, that's what some water seed, Father, that's what we're doing. But God, only you can give we're doing. But God, only you can give we're doing. But God, only you can give an increase. And we put it in your hands an increase. And we put it in your hands an increase. And we put it in your hands asking for an increase, Lord. And we'll asking for an increase, Lord. And we'll asking for an increase, Lord. And we'll give you the praise, the honor, and the give you the praise, the honor, and the give you the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus name. Amen. I can only imagine I can only imagine what it will be [singing] like what it will be [singing] like what it will be [singing] like when I walk when I walk when I walk by your side. by your side. by your side. I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine what my eyes will see what my eyes will see what my eyes will see when your face when your face when your face is before me. is before me. is before me. I can only imagine your [singing] glory. What will my heart your [singing] glory. What will my heart feel? Will I dance [singing] feel? Will I dance [singing] feel? Will I dance [singing] for you, Jesus? Or in all of you, be for you, Jesus? Or in all of you, be for you, Jesus? Or in all of you, be still. Will I stand in your presence? Or still. Will I stand in your presence? Or still. Will I stand in your presence? Or to my [music] knees, will I fall? Will I to my [music] knees, will I fall? Will I to my [music] knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at [music] all? I can only imagine. find myself find myself standing in the sun. standing in the sun. standing in the sun. I can only [music] imagine I can only [music] imagine I can only [music] imagine when I forever worship [music] forever worship [music] you. I can only imagine. [singing] you. I can only imagine. [singing] you. I can only imagine. [singing] Yeah. Surrounded by your glory. What will Surrounded by your glory. What will [music and singing] my heart feel or you be still? Will I stand in your or you be still? Will I stand in your presence or to my knees? Will I fall? presence or to my knees? Will I fall? presence or to my knees? Will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? [singing] Will I sing hallelujah? [singing] Will I sing hallelujah? [singing] Will I be [music] able to speak at all? Will I be [music] able to speak at all? Will I be [music] able to speak at all? I can only imagine. I can only imagine. I can only imagine. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, I can only imagine surrounded by your glory. What will my surrounded by your glory. What will my heart feel heart feel heart feel for you, Jesus? Foring all be still. for you, Jesus? Foring all be still. for you, Jesus? Foring all be still. Will I stand in your presence or to my Will I stand in your presence or to my Will I stand in your presence or to my knees or will I fall when I sing? knees or will I fall when I sing? knees or will I fall when I sing? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Will I be able to speak at all? I can Will I be able to speak at all? I can Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine. do do is forever is forever is forever forever worship you. Let me say to all of you who are Let me say to all of you who are gathered here today on behalf of I say gathered here today on behalf of I say gathered here today on behalf of I say mama nurse, mother nurse, mama nurse, mother nurse, mama nurse, mother nurse, she was a mother to me. She fed me like her son when I was She fed me like her son when I was evangelizing evangelizing evangelizing in the early 80s in the early 80s in the early 80s when I went as an evangelist. Four when I went as an evangelist. Four when I went as an evangelist. Four straight meetings scheduled for the straight meetings scheduled for the straight meetings scheduled for the fifth one. But in the middle of the fifth one. But in the middle of the fifth one. But in the middle of the fifth one started, the pastor died and fifth one started, the pastor died and fifth one started, the pastor died and then I became pastor. You bear with me for a few minutes You bear with me for a few minutes because I'm going to need God to help because I'm going to need God to help because I'm going to need God to help me. me. me. I'm looking across this this auditorium, I'm looking across this this auditorium, I'm looking across this this auditorium, but I see a family here but I see a family here but I see a family here that I know love. that I know love. that I know love. Not that she didn't love this side or Not that she didn't love this side or Not that she didn't love this side or this side, but she loved you. this side, but she loved you. this side, but she loved you. And it was her last And it was her last And it was her last life dream and prayer for her family to life dream and prayer for her family to life dream and prayer for her family to be saved. be saved. be saved. She asked me to preach her funeral a She asked me to preach her funeral a She asked me to preach her funeral a long time ago. long time ago. long time ago. because she knew she was going to because she knew she was going to because she knew she was going to experience death if she lived. The Lord experience death if she lived. The Lord experience death if she lived. The Lord carries long enough. But here in the carries long enough. But here in the carries long enough. But here in the book of Psalms 100 verses 1 and5, God book of Psalms 100 verses 1 and5, God book of Psalms 100 verses 1 and5, God gave me this message. Sister Vicki asked gave me this message. Sister Vicki asked gave me this message. Sister Vicki asked me the other night me the other night me the other night over at the hospice house. She said, "Do over at the hospice house. She said, "Do over at the hospice house. She said, "Do you have your service your your sermon you have your service your your sermon you have your service your your sermon for mother?" I said, "I can't do that. I for mother?" I said, "I can't do that. I for mother?" I said, "I can't do that. I couldn't do that. couldn't do that. couldn't do that. I can't try to prepare a message for I can't try to prepare a message for I can't try to prepare a message for somebody to still live. somebody to still live. somebody to still live. I have to wait to die. I have to wait to die. I have to wait to die. I ain't going to try to preach I ain't going to try to preach I ain't going to try to preach somebody's funeral somebody's funeral somebody's funeral before they even die. before they even die. before they even die. [snorts] But I got up the next morning [snorts] But I got up the next morning [snorts] But I got up the next morning out of nowhere. It hit me. out of nowhere. It hit me. out of nowhere. It hit me. And I want you to hold on for just a few And I want you to hold on for just a few And I want you to hold on for just a few minutes because I'm going to tell you minutes because I'm going to tell you minutes because I'm going to tell you something that God told me to tell you. something that God told me to tell you. something that God told me to tell you. Some of you aren't going to lack it. Some of you aren't going to lack it. Some of you aren't going to lack it. Some of you don't even want to be here. Some of you don't even want to be here. Some of you don't even want to be here. I know that I know that I know that as far as me, you don't have anything as far as me, you don't have anything as far as me, you don't have anything against me. I don't have anything against me. I don't have anything against me. I don't have anything against you. But I am a Pentecostal against you. But I am a Pentecostal against you. But I am a Pentecostal preacher and I'm going to preach like a preacher and I'm going to preach like a preacher and I'm going to preach like a Pentecostal preacher. I took my coat off Pentecostal preacher. I took my coat off Pentecostal preacher. I took my coat off because I'm fixing to work. because I'm fixing to work. because I'm fixing to work. I can't work with my clo coat on. I had I can't work with my clo coat on. I had I can't work with my clo coat on. I had to pull it off. Even in the winter time to pull it off. Even in the winter time to pull it off. Even in the winter time when I go out and work, I have to pull when I go out and work, I have to pull when I go out and work, I have to pull my coat off. Even though if it's cold, I my coat off. Even though if it's cold, I my coat off. Even though if it's cold, I still got to pull it off to work. still got to pull it off to work. still got to pull it off to work. Are y'all going to help me here this Are y'all going to help me here this Are y'all going to help me here this morning? I'm talking about you saints morning? I'm talking about you saints morning? I'm talking about you saints that are here now. I need you saints to that are here now. I need you saints to that are here now. I need you saints to help me because if you going if you help me because if you going if you help me because if you going if you won't help me, God's going to have to won't help me, God's going to have to won't help me, God's going to have to help me by himself. But I want you to help me by himself. But I want you to help me by himself. But I want you to help me with God. Psalms 10 verse 1 and5 help me with God. Psalms 10 verse 1 and5 help me with God. Psalms 10 verse 1 and5 says, "Make a joyful noise." Come on. says, "Make a joyful noise." Come on. says, "Make a joyful noise." Come on. Come on. Come on. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before his Lord with gladness. Come before his Lord with gladness. Come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the presence with singing. Know ye that the presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God. It is he who hath made Lord he is God. It is he who hath made Lord he is God. It is he who hath made us and not we ourselves. We are his us and not we ourselves. We are his us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. people and the sheep of his pasture. people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter in. Enter in to his gates with Enter in. Enter in to his gates with Enter in. Enter in to his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts be thanksgiving and into his courts be thanksgiving and into his courts be praise and be thankful unto him and praise and be thankful unto him and praise and be thankful unto him and bless his holy name. God's got a holy bless his holy name. God's got a holy bless his holy name. God's got a holy name. We need to bless the holy name of name. We need to bless the holy name of name. We need to bless the holy name of God. I said bless the holy name of God. God. I said bless the holy name of God. God. I said bless the holy name of God. Come on saints of God. We're not here Come on saints of God. We're not here Come on saints of God. We're not here Amen to just Amen. have a few. We're Amen to just Amen. have a few. We're Amen to just Amen. have a few. We're here to have church. here to have church. here to have church. If this lady was here right now, she'd If this lady was here right now, she'd If this lady was here right now, she'd say, "That's right, preacher. You tell say, "That's right, preacher. You tell say, "That's right, preacher. You tell them to have church with me. them to have church with me. them to have church with me. And that's what I'm telling you. What And that's what I'm telling you. What And that's what I'm telling you. What she told me to tell you. she told me to tell you. she told me to tell you. Listen. Verse 5 says, "For the Lord is Listen. Verse 5 says, "For the Lord is Listen. Verse 5 says, "For the Lord is good. good. good. His mercy is everlasting and his truth His mercy is everlasting and his truth His mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations that are endureth to all generations that are endureth to all generations that are gathered here today. gathered here today. gathered here today. I want to talk to you just for a little I want to talk to you just for a little I want to talk to you just for a little while on these two words, cross [snorts] while on these two words, cross [snorts] while on these two words, cross [snorts] roads. Every one of us in this building right Every one of us in this building right now, now, now, if you're not there, you will be there if you're not there, you will be there if you're not there, you will be there at the crossroad. at the crossroad. at the crossroad. [snorts] She's done and crossed over the [snorts] She's done and crossed over the [snorts] She's done and crossed over the road. She's done and made her crossing. road. She's done and made her crossing. road. She's done and made her crossing. I can't say anything to help her, I can't say anything to help her, I can't say anything to help her, but I've got some things in in my heart but I've got some things in in my heart but I've got some things in in my heart that God put there that I might can help that God put there that I might can help that God put there that I might can help you. You and you. you. You and you. you. You and you. And if you'll let it, it will help you. And if you'll let it, it will help you. And if you'll let it, it will help you. A pastor was on vacation. was looking for a lake and he has seen a was looking for a lake and he has seen a map of a lake that he wanted to go see. map of a lake that he wanted to go see. map of a lake that he wanted to go see. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] So So So they took a gravel road. they took a gravel road. they took a gravel road. Took a gravel road. Took a gravel road. Took a gravel road. Get the the thing where the Come on, Get the the thing where the Come on, Get the the thing where the Come on, brother. Is it up? Oh, it's up here. brother. Is it up? Oh, it's up here. brother. Is it up? Oh, it's up here. It's not back there. Cal, [snorts] he It's not back there. Cal, [snorts] he It's not back there. Cal, [snorts] he hadn't got it on this s and I can't see hadn't got it on this s and I can't see hadn't got it on this s and I can't see it back there. I'm I won't worry about it back there. I'm I won't worry about it back there. I'm I won't worry about it anymore. Thank [snorts] you. the it anymore. Thank [snorts] you. the it anymore. Thank [snorts] you. the gravel road. You see the gravel road? gravel road. You see the gravel road? gravel road. You see the gravel road? It's behind me here. They begin to go up It's behind me here. They begin to go up It's behind me here. They begin to go up that gravel road for 10 miles. And then that gravel road for 10 miles. And then that gravel road for 10 miles. And then they came up to a sign that showed the they came up to a sign that showed the they came up to a sign that showed the lake only been two miles away. lake only been two miles away. lake only been two miles away. Two [snorts] miles away. And while Two [snorts] miles away. And while Two [snorts] miles away. And while sitting at that crossroad, sitting at that crossroad, sitting at that crossroad, he noticed that the road to the lake was he noticed that the road to the lake was he noticed that the road to the lake was very, very narrow. is getting narrower very, very narrow. is getting narrower very, very narrow. is getting narrower and narrower and narrower as it went and narrower and narrower as it went and narrower and narrower as it went down that rabble road. I don't know down that rabble road. I don't know down that rabble road. I don't know about you, but I'm in that road like about you, but I'm in that road like about you, but I'm in that road like that that that and they're scary. and they're scary. and they're scary. I said, "They're very, very scary. Are I said, "They're very, very scary. Are I said, "They're very, very scary. Are you listening to me?" And so, [snorts] you listening to me?" And so, [snorts] you listening to me?" And so, [snorts] as he was going up this road, as he was going up this road, as he was going up this road, sitting there at that crossroad, he sitting there at that crossroad, he sitting there at that crossroad, he noticed that the road was so narrow and noticed that the road was so narrow and noticed that the road was so narrow and so rocky and it was steep. He had so rocky and it was steep. He had so rocky and it was steep. He had decided it was going to just go and take decided it was going to just go and take decided it was going to just go and take the road anyway. And so he kept on going the road anyway. And so he kept on going the road anyway. And so he kept on going and finally being adventurous as he was, and finally being adventurous as he was, and finally being adventurous as he was, he decided that we could make this he decided that we could make this he decided that we could make this little two-mile drive. So we began to go little two-mile drive. So we began to go little two-mile drive. So we began to go up the road, journey on a four-wheel up the road, journey on a four-wheel up the road, journey on a four-wheel drive minivan, drive minivan, drive minivan, creeping up that road. I'm going creeping up that road. I'm going creeping up that road. I'm going somewhere now. The road continued to somewhere now. The road continued to somewhere now. The road continued to become narrow and steeper and more rocky become narrow and steeper and more rocky become narrow and steeper and more rocky as they traveled slowly up that as they traveled slowly up that as they traveled slowly up that mountain. They came to a point that he mountain. They came to a point that he mountain. They came to a point that he had no idea as to what he should do. And had no idea as to what he should do. And had no idea as to what he should do. And so all of a sudden, Amen. 25 minutes so all of a sudden, Amen. 25 minutes so all of a sudden, Amen. 25 minutes into the drive, he came up to a into the drive, he came up to a into the drive, he came up to a situation where he had met someone. situation where he had met someone. situation where he had met someone. And I don't think all of my slides are And I don't think all of my slides are And I don't think all of my slides are on there. I'm missing one of my slides, on there. I'm missing one of my slides, on there. I'm missing one of my slides, but anyway, that's okay. [snorts] but anyway, that's okay. [snorts] but anyway, that's okay. [snorts] In other words, he he ran into the back In other words, he he ran into the back In other words, he he ran into the back of a vehicle where there was a jeep of a vehicle where there was a jeep of a vehicle where there was a jeep there sitting going up that road. there sitting going up that road. there sitting going up that road. stopped and he was stopped. And so he stopped and he was stopped. And so he stopped and he was stopped. And so he hollered out to the folks in the jeep. hollered out to the folks in the jeep. hollered out to the folks in the jeep. He said, "How much further is it that we He said, "How much further is it that we He said, "How much further is it that we can get to the lake?" can get to the lake?" can get to the lake?" And a lady spoke back and said, "It's And a lady spoke back and said, "It's And a lady spoke back and said, "It's only one half of a mile." only one half of a mile." only one half of a mile." Well, I've got news for you. It's going Well, I've got news for you. It's going Well, I've got news for you. It's going to be rougher the next half a mile than to be rougher the next half a mile than to be rougher the next half a mile than it's been so far. This two this mile and it's been so far. This two this mile and it's been so far. This two this mile and a half, it's going to get rougher. They a half, it's going to get rougher. They a half, it's going to get rougher. They had been there, but he hadn't been had been there, but he hadn't been had been there, but he hadn't been there. So he decided, well, maybe I need there. So he decided, well, maybe I need there. So he decided, well, maybe I need to go back. So he put the minivan in to go back. So he put the minivan in to go back. So he put the minivan in reverse and looked back in his mirror. reverse and looked back in his mirror. reverse and looked back in his mirror. He said, 'I can't back down this He said, 'I can't back down this He said, 'I can't back down this mountain. I just barely got up this mountain. I just barely got up this mountain. I just barely got up this mountain going forward. Some of you need mountain going forward. Some of you need mountain going forward. Some of you need to understand that you need to put your to understand that you need to put your to understand that you need to put your life in gear and go forward to an altar life in gear and go forward to an altar life in gear and go forward to an altar somewhere. If not here today, somewhere somewhere. If not here today, somewhere somewhere. If not here today, somewhere before soon. Because I'm telling you, before soon. Because I'm telling you, before soon. Because I'm telling you, you're going to wish you had it if you you're going to wish you had it if you you're going to wish you had it if you hadn't. Because the way you're going is hadn't. Because the way you're going is hadn't. Because the way you're going is a road of destruction. a road of destruction. a road of destruction. And God will bring you to a crossroad And God will bring you to a crossroad And God will bring you to a crossroad here today before you leave here. here today before you leave here. here today before you leave here. I said God will bring you to a crossroad I said God will bring you to a crossroad I said God will bring you to a crossroad before you leave here today. I remember before you leave here today. I remember before you leave here today. I remember working with Fred Nars, sister Anna's working with Fred Nars, sister Anna's working with Fred Nars, sister Anna's sister Anna's husband for I don't know sister Anna's husband for I don't know sister Anna's husband for I don't know how many years. I know it was a long how many years. I know it was a long how many years. I know it was a long time about 40 years or so that she time about 40 years or so that she time about 40 years or so that she prayed for that man. I didn't have I prayed for that man. I didn't have I prayed for that man. I didn't have I didn't have I didn't have quite that didn't have I didn't have quite that didn't have I didn't have quite that many years meeting him and knowing him many years meeting him and knowing him many years meeting him and knowing him that long, but I had I had at least 30 that long, but I had I had at least 30 that long, but I had I had at least 30 plus years at that time that he got plus years at that time that he got plus years at that time that he got saved and I went to his house many of saved and I went to his house many of saved and I went to his house many of times in the yard and talked to him when times in the yard and talked to him when times in the yard and talked to him when he was out in the yard. But I remember he was out in the yard. But I remember he was out in the yard. But I remember this very first time and I'm I'm going this very first time and I'm I'm going this very first time and I'm I'm going to show you this track. I got him back to show you this track. I got him back to show you this track. I got him back at the back in the thing and I got 10 at the back in the thing and I got 10 at the back in the thing and I got 10 about 10 10 or 12 laying around all over about 10 10 or 12 laying around all over about 10 10 or 12 laying around all over pins. I want to show you this track. I I pins. I want to show you this track. I I pins. I want to show you this track. I I shared this track with him on an shared this track with him on an shared this track with him on an afternoon and finally I got Fred to afternoon and finally I got Fred to afternoon and finally I got Fred to understand it. He needed to make a understand it. He needed to make a understand it. He needed to make a decision and cross over into the decision and cross over into the decision and cross over into the salvation land. salvation land. salvation land. And he made a decision. He came to And he made a decision. He came to And he made a decision. He came to church here and he prayed here and he church here and he prayed here and he church here and he prayed here and he prayed there. And I'm telling you, from prayed there. And I'm telling you, from prayed there. And I'm telling you, from the last time that I saw Brother Fred in the last time that I saw Brother Fred in the last time that I saw Brother Fred in church, he was right here about where church, he was right here about where church, he was right here about where you at, sister. He was sitting in a you at, sister. He was sitting in a you at, sister. He was sitting in a walker. He had that walker. He got up on walker. He had that walker. He got up on walker. He had that walker. He got up on that walker like that. He pushed that that walker like that. He pushed that that walker like that. He pushed that walker side. He said and he shouted on down into the altar. and he shouted on down into the altar. And I'm telling you, I felt the power of And I'm telling you, I felt the power of And I'm telling you, I felt the power of God then, and I feel the power of God God then, and I feel the power of God God then, and I feel the power of God now. I can see Friday in my memory now. I can see Friday in my memory now. I can see Friday in my memory shouting under the power of [screaming] shouting under the power of [screaming] shouting under the power of [screaming] the Holy Ghost. And then he crossed over And then he crossed over just a few days after that. And you don't [screaming] know and I And you don't [screaming] know and I don't know when we going to make that don't know when we going to make that don't know when we going to make that crossing, but we're going to cross crossing, but we're going to cross crossing, but we're going to cross somewhere behem here and there. Let me somewhere behem here and there. Let me somewhere behem here and there. Let me finish this story. I got a I got at finish this story. I got a I got at finish this story. I got a I got at least an hour and a half message here. I least an hour and a half message here. I least an hour and a half message here. I hope the funeral director ain't got to hope the funeral director ain't got to hope the funeral director ain't got to be at the graveite at 1. I ain't hearing nobody talk. So I'm I ain't hearing nobody talk. So I'm good. good. good. I'm just kidding. And some of you right then you lost you And some of you right then you lost you almost lost your breath. Not hanging on almost lost your breath. Not hanging on almost lost your breath. Not hanging on I can't stand this for an hour. I can't stand this for an hour. I can't stand this for an hour. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] You see they 20 minutes more driving You see they 20 minutes more driving You see they 20 minutes more driving the nerves got all mixed up as they was the nerves got all mixed up as they was the nerves got all mixed up as they was going down towards that lake. And when going down towards that lake. And when going down towards that lake. And when they got to that lake they got to that lake they got to that lake Yeah. Ain't that beautiful? Yeah. Ain't that beautiful? Yeah. Ain't that beautiful? Huh? Huh? Huh? I mean, ain't it ain't it worth a 20 I mean, ain't it ain't it worth a 20 I mean, ain't it ain't it worth a 20 minute drive going up a gravel road that minute drive going up a gravel road that minute drive going up a gravel road that when you get to the end amen of where when you get to the end amen of where when you get to the end amen of where you're going, this is what you see. you're going, this is what you see. you're going, this is what you see. It's worth the man. It was worth every It's worth the man. It was worth every It's worth the man. It was worth every rock that I crossed, every hill that I rock that I crossed, every hill that I rock that I crossed, every hill that I went over to get to this point to where went over to get to this point to where went over to get to this point to where I can see that. And I'm telling you, I can see that. And I'm telling you, I can see that. And I'm telling you, this picture has nothing to compare to this picture has nothing to compare to this picture has nothing to compare to what heaven's going to look like if you what heaven's going to look like if you what heaven's going to look like if you cross over the Jordan River and you make cross over the Jordan River and you make cross over the Jordan River and you make it into heaven. I'm telling you, heaven it into heaven. I'm telling you, heaven it into heaven. I'm telling you, heaven is mo one of the most beautiful places is mo one of the most beautiful places is mo one of the most beautiful places that you have never seen. I've never that you have never seen. I've never that you have never seen. I've never seen it. But she's looking at it right seen it. But she's looking at it right seen it. But she's looking at it right now and she can't tell us about it now and she can't tell us about it now and she can't tell us about it because she can't talk to human beings because she can't talk to human beings because she can't talk to human beings right now. But if she could tell you, right now. But if she could tell you, right now. But if she could tell you, she would tell you, "Listen to that she would tell you, "Listen to that she would tell you, "Listen to that preacher. You need to press on. You need preacher. You need to press on. You need preacher. You need to press on. You need to run on and you need to cross that to run on and you need to cross that to run on and you need to cross that Jordan because it's worth the journey." You see, Mother Norris on June the 22nd, You see, Mother Norris on June the 22nd, she's already stated, 2026, and I got she's already stated, 2026, and I got she's already stated, 2026, and I got the time that they said that she died the time that they said that she died the time that they said that she died 11:25 11:25 11:25 p.m. Do you know that you could cross over Do you know that you could cross over before 12 today? before 12 today? before 12 today? We could have an emergency emergency We could have an emergency emergency We could have an emergency emergency right here in this sanctuary. And I don't know if we got any nurses And I don't know if we got any nurses here. Somebody, anybody can do different here. Somebody, anybody can do different here. Somebody, anybody can do different things. But let me tell you, you better things. But let me tell you, you better things. But let me tell you, you better be ready because they may not get you be ready because they may not get you be ready because they may not get you back if you have a massive heart attack. back if you have a massive heart attack. back if you have a massive heart attack. And if I have one, leave me [screaming] And if I have one, leave me [screaming] And if I have one, leave me [screaming] alone. Let me die right here behind this alone. Let me die right here behind this alone. Let me die right here behind this pool pit. A man made road. Matthew the Bible tells A man made road. Matthew the Bible tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, I've got to us in Matthew 7:13-14, I've got to us in Matthew 7:13-14, I've got to hurry. Enter into the straight gate. For hurry. Enter into the straight gate. For hurry. Enter into the straight gate. For wide is the gate and narrow, the Bible wide is the gate and narrow, the Bible wide is the gate and narrow, the Bible said that narrow is the way that leadth said that narrow is the way that leadth said that narrow is the way that leadth into destruction. You see, you and I got into destruction. You see, you and I got into destruction. You see, you and I got to understand that many there be which to understand that many there be which to understand that many there be which go there, because straight is a gate, go there, because straight is a gate, go there, because straight is a gate, and narrow is the way that leadth into and narrow is the way that leadth into and narrow is the way that leadth into life, and few there be that find it. life, and few there be that find it. life, and few there be that find it. Proverbs tells us in 12-15, the way of a Proverbs tells us in 12-15, the way of a Proverbs tells us in 12-15, the way of a fool is right in his own eyes. The way fool is right in his own eyes. The way fool is right in his own eyes. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. of a fool is right in his own eyes. of a fool is right in his own eyes. Proverbs 13 and 15, God understand it. Proverbs 13 and 15, God understand it. Proverbs 13 and 15, God understand it. He giveth favor, but the way of a He giveth favor, but the way of a He giveth favor, but the way of a transgressor is hard. It's hard to live transgressor is hard. It's hard to live transgressor is hard. It's hard to live a sinful life. a sinful life. a sinful life. I know it. I lived it 18 years, but I'm I know it. I lived it 18 years, but I'm I know it. I lived it 18 years, but I'm telling, thank God, I crossed over. I telling, thank God, I crossed over. I telling, thank God, I crossed over. I came to a crossroad and I crossed over. came to a crossroad and I crossed over. came to a crossroad and I crossed over. And now I've been born again, washed in And now I've been born again, washed in And now I've been born again, washed in the blood of the lamb, and I'm free. I the blood of the lamb, and I'm free. I the blood of the lamb, and I'm free. I said, I'm free to praise God. said, I'm free to praise God. said, I'm free to praise God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The prophet Isaiah said in 5:9 and 8, he The prophet Isaiah said in 5:9 and 8, he The prophet Isaiah said in 5:9 and 8, he said, "The way of peace they know not, said, "The way of peace they know not, said, "The way of peace they know not, and there is no judgment in their and there is no judgment in their and there is no judgment in their goings. They have made them crooked goings. They have made them crooked goings. They have made them crooked paths. Whosoever goeth the rain shall paths. Whosoever goeth the rain shall paths. Whosoever goeth the rain shall not know peace." not know peace." not know peace." You really can't know peace until you You really can't know peace until you You really can't know peace until you invite the prince of peace to come into invite the prince of peace to come into invite the prince of peace to come into your heart. your heart. your heart. The road The road The road is easier traveled when you're not is easier traveled when you're not is easier traveled when you're not saved. saved. saved. God has shown us what is right and what God has shown us what is right and what God has shown us what is right and what is wrong. But it is easier to go the is wrong. But it is easier to go the is wrong. But it is easier to go the same way everybody else is going. same way everybody else is going. same way everybody else is going. Most people do not Most people do not Most people do not they do not do what is acceptable to man they do not do what is acceptable to man they do not do what is acceptable to man or acceptable to God. They do what is or acceptable to God. They do what is or acceptable to God. They do what is acceptable to man. The road is wide. The acceptable to man. The road is wide. The acceptable to man. The road is wide. The road is highly traveled. And the road is road is highly traveled. And the road is road is highly traveled. And the road is populated. Are you listening to me? The populated. Are you listening to me? The populated. Are you listening to me? The road is wide. And the road Amen. Listen road is wide. And the road Amen. Listen road is wide. And the road Amen. Listen here. here. here. More folks is going this way than this More folks is going this way than this More folks is going this way than this way. way. way. More folks are going their own way More folks are going their own way More folks are going their own way instead of going towards Jesus. instead of going towards Jesus. instead of going towards Jesus. Are you listening? What way are you Are you listening? What way are you Are you listening? What way are you going this morning? You need to change going this morning? You need to change going this morning? You need to change direction. If you're going the wrong direction. If you're going the wrong direction. If you're going the wrong way, there are two roads you can choose way, there are two roads you can choose way, there are two roads you can choose between. Two roads that you can choose between. Two roads that you can choose between. Two roads that you can choose between right here. It's a why. You need to make the right choice today You need to make the right choice today because you don't know if you're going because you don't know if you're going because you don't know if you're going to be living tomorrow. Remember Moses? to be living tomorrow. Remember Moses? to be living tomorrow. Remember Moses? He's sending out all the 12 spies to He's sending out all the 12 spies to He's sending out all the 12 spies to look into the promised land. And what look into the promised land. And what look into the promised land. And what did they say when they returned? What did they say when they returned? What did they say when they returned? What did they say when they returned? 10 of did they say when they returned? 10 of did they say when they returned? 10 of them said this. The road is too them said this. The road is too them said this. The road is too dangerous. dangerous. dangerous. There are too many blocks. There's too There are too many blocks. There's too There are too many blocks. There's too many things. Amen. That we can't handle. many things. Amen. That we can't handle. many things. Amen. That we can't handle. We can't go down there. But what the two We can't go down there. But what the two We can't go down there. But what the two of them say? I said, 'What the two of of them say? I said, 'What the two of of them say? I said, 'What the two of them say? them say? them say? Two of them said this. Two of them said this. Two of them said this. Faith is taking the first step even when Faith is taking the first step even when Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole. You're walking, but you can't see. You You're walking, but you can't see. You can't see the whole thing that's out can't see the whole thing that's out can't see the whole thing that's out there. I mean, you can't you can't see there. I mean, you can't you can't see there. I mean, you can't you can't see heaven. You can't see all that all that heaven. You can't see all that all that heaven. You can't see all that all that that Bible says. And some folks say, that Bible says. And some folks say, that Bible says. And some folks say, "Well, it ain't true. It's man-made." "Well, it ain't true. It's man-made." "Well, it ain't true. It's man-made." Well, you keep believing that line, Well, you keep believing that line, Well, you keep believing that line, you'll end up in hell and not in heaven. I'm telling you, there's a God that I'm telling you, there's a God that loves every one of us here today, and he loves every one of us here today, and he loves every one of us here today, and he wants the very best for your life right wants the very best for your life right wants the very best for your life right here, right now. And if you don't give here, right now. And if you don't give here, right now. And if you don't give yourself to him, you can't have his yourself to him, you can't have his yourself to him, you can't have his best. best. best. Listen, I'm telling you, just look at Listen, I'm telling you, just look at Listen, I'm telling you, just look at your newspaper, your newspaper, your newspaper, watch a Fuse newscast today. What are watch a Fuse newscast today. What are watch a Fuse newscast today. What are they talking about? Peace. Peace. Peace. they talking about? Peace. Peace. Peace. they talking about? Peace. Peace. Peace. talking about they signed a peace treaty talking about they signed a peace treaty talking about they signed a peace treaty just a few days ago. I don't know what just a few days ago. I don't know what just a few days ago. I don't know what they signed or what they didn't sign, they signed or what they didn't sign, they signed or what they didn't sign, but it ain't no treaty and ain't no but it ain't no treaty and ain't no but it ain't no treaty and ain't no piece in it. piece in it. piece in it. It's just a piece of paper that they It's just a piece of paper that they It's just a piece of paper that they might have put a signature on. But they might have put a signature on. But they might have put a signature on. But they will not honor [screaming] it because will not honor [screaming] it because will not honor [screaming] it because church, I'm telling you right now, as I church, I'm telling you right now, as I church, I'm telling you right now, as I stand in this pull pit, all hell could stand in this pull pit, all hell could stand in this pull pit, all hell could break loose right here in the United break loose right here in the United break loose right here in the United States of America and throughout the States of America and throughout the States of America and throughout the world. Amen. With bombs starting to world. Amen. With bombs starting to world. Amen. With bombs starting to drop, drop, drop, you can believe it or not believe it, you can believe it or not believe it, you can believe it or not believe it, but there's a rapture fixing to take but there's a rapture fixing to take but there's a rapture fixing to take place. I said, "There's a rapture fixing place. I said, "There's a rapture fixing place. I said, "There's a rapture fixing to take place." And I'm telling you, I'm to take place." And I'm telling you, I'm to take place." And I'm telling you, I'm ready for the rapture. Amen. Sister Nor, ready for the rapture. Amen. Sister Nor, ready for the rapture. Amen. Sister Nor, she won't have to be raptured now, but she won't have to be raptured now, but she won't have to be raptured now, but she will be raptured. Amen. When the she will be raptured. Amen. When the she will be raptured. Amen. When the rapture takes place, she won't be alive rapture takes place, she won't be alive rapture takes place, she won't be alive to be raptured, but she'll get up out of to be raptured, but she'll get up out of to be raptured, but she'll get up out of that grave. They even that they may put that grave. They even that they may put that grave. They even that they may put her in just a little while that she'll her in just a little while that she'll her in just a little while that she'll get up out of that grave. Afraid to get get up out of that grave. Afraid to get get up out of that grave. Afraid to get up out of that grave. And all the loved up out of that grave. And all the loved up out of that grave. And all the loved ones that you know that's died and went ones that you know that's died and went ones that you know that's died and went on death, they'll get up out of that on death, they'll get up out of that on death, they'll get up out of that grave. And you know, they we will not grave. And you know, they we will not grave. And you know, they we will not leave them and they will not leave. But leave them and they will not leave. But leave them and they will not leave. But together, Amen. We're going to meet the together, Amen. We're going to meet the together, Amen. We're going to meet the Lord in the air. I said together the Lord in the air. I said together the Lord in the air. I said together the dead in Christ and the living in Christ dead in Christ and the living in Christ dead in Christ and the living in Christ will meet God in the air and we're going will meet God in the air and we're going will meet God in the air and we're going to a 7-year honeymoon. Remember when those things were Remember when those things were unheard of? A lot of things are unheard unheard of? A lot of things are unheard unheard of? A lot of things are unheard of today. Listen, but nowadays of today. Listen, but nowadays of today. Listen, but nowadays they're acceptable. they're acceptable. they're acceptable. There's folks doing things and children There's folks doing things and children There's folks doing things and children doing things today that was unheard of doing things today that was unheard of doing things today that was unheard of when I was a child. The most popular when I was a child. The most popular when I was a child. The most popular thing that we had when I was a little thing that we had when I was a little thing that we had when I was a little boy growing up was not a cell phone. boy growing up was not a cell phone. boy growing up was not a cell phone. It was two tin cans and a string. Hey, It was two tin cans and a string. Hey, It was two tin cans and a string. Hey, brother Clyde, what you doing over brother Clyde, what you doing over brother Clyde, what you doing over there, son? there, son? there, son? That's what we talked on the telephone. That's what we talked on the telephone. That's what we talked on the telephone. Two tin cans and a string. Now we got AI Now we got AI and everything that goes with it. You see the two road says trouble You see the two road says trouble often starts often starts often starts out as fun. There also something else that we must There also something else that we must notice. Every road has its final notice. Every road has its final notice. Every road has its final destination. destination. destination. Every road has its final destination. Every road has its final destination. Every road has its final destination. Where does the road lead to? Where does the road lead to? Where does the road lead to? This road is easier traveled. It leads This road is easier traveled. It leads This road is easier traveled. It leads to destruction. Now notice what Psalms to destruction. Now notice what Psalms to destruction. Now notice what Psalms tells us in here in verses four and tells us in here in verses four and tells us in here in verses four and five. He says, "The ungodly are not so, five. He says, "The ungodly are not so, five. He says, "The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff with the wind but are like the chaff with the wind but are like the chaff with the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly driveth away. Therefore the ungodly driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, no shall not stand in the judgment, no shall not stand in the judgment, no sinners in the congregation of the sinners in the congregation of the sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the of the righteous, but the way of the of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. ungodly shall perish. ungodly shall perish. The ungodly are blown away with the The ungodly are blown away with the The ungodly are blown away with the chaff. The chaff is wasted away unless chaff. The chaff is wasted away unless chaff. The chaff is wasted away unless part unless and the part of the green part unless and the part of the green part unless and the part of the green after it." Amen. has harvested and then after it." Amen. has harvested and then after it." Amen. has harvested and then the green is saved, but the chest is the green is saved, but the chest is the green is saved, but the chest is blown away. I'm telling you, God is blown away. I'm telling you, God is blown away. I'm telling you, God is going to destroy this world as she going to destroy this world as she going to destroy this world as she stands right now. And anybody that don't stands right now. And anybody that don't stands right now. And anybody that don't bow their knee and serve him will be bow their knee and serve him will be bow their knee and serve him will be destroyed with the fire that is going to destroyed with the fire that is going to destroyed with the fire that is going to destroy this earth. destroy this earth. destroy this earth. Now, the chaff just lays there until the Now, the chaff just lays there until the Now, the chaff just lays there until the wind blows it somewhere else or it wind blows it somewhere else or it wind blows it somewhere else or it discomposes. discomposes. discomposes. But I'm telling you, you have a living But I'm telling you, you have a living But I'm telling you, you have a living soul. soul. soul. You're going to live forever. You're going to live forever. You're going to live forever. You're not going to just discoose or You're not going to just discoose or You're not going to just discoose or just, you know, over in Trinidad been just, you know, over in Trinidad been just, you know, over in Trinidad been been about eight or 10 trips over there been about eight or 10 trips over there been about eight or 10 trips over there in T Trinidad and I've been to some in T Trinidad and I've been to some in T Trinidad and I've been to some funerals over there and what they have funerals over there and what they have funerals over there and what they have is is what we call a roasting. is is what we call a roasting. is is what we call a roasting. They put the body out there and they put They put the body out there and they put They put the body out there and they put it put wood and stuff on it, put all it put wood and stuff on it, put all it put wood and stuff on it, put all kind of sugar and all kind of stuff on kind of sugar and all kind of stuff on kind of sugar and all kind of stuff on it to catch it a fire and they burn that it to catch it a fire and they burn that it to catch it a fire and they burn that body, cremate it. body, cremate it. body, cremate it. And they think a lot of them over there And they think a lot of them over there And they think a lot of them over there is Hindu. They believe that when they do is Hindu. They believe that when they do is Hindu. They believe that when they do that that their loved ones going to come that that their loved ones going to come that that their loved ones going to come back as some type of animal. back as some type of animal. back as some type of animal. And they put bunches of food out there And they put bunches of food out there And they put bunches of food out there at the edge of the water at the edge of the water at the edge of the water that night. So when they come back, they that night. So when they come back, they that night. So when they come back, they have some food to eat. You know what? have some food to eat. You know what? have some food to eat. You know what? You know who eats that food? Dogs. I'm fixing to finish up him quick. I'm I'm fixing to finish up him quick. I'm scaring some of y'all ready, scaring some of y'all ready, scaring some of y'all ready, but I hope I can scare the devil out of but I hope I can scare the devil out of but I hope I can scare the devil out of you. The lost man or woman will live The lost man or woman will live eternally in hell, eternally in hell, eternally in hell, in torment, in pain. in torment, in pain. in torment, in pain. And the Bible ultimately say that hell And the Bible ultimately say that hell And the Bible ultimately say that hell will be plugged up and cast into a lake will be plugged up and cast into a lake will be plugged up and cast into a lake of fire. Crossroads. of fire. Crossroads. of fire. Crossroads. They went to a crossroads, turn off a They went to a crossroads, turn off a They went to a crossroads, turn off a pave rocky road and went up and they got pave rocky road and went up and they got pave rocky road and went up and they got to the most beautiful lake that they to the most beautiful lake that they to the most beautiful lake that they ever seen in their life. ever seen in their life. ever seen in their life. You can make a turn today where you're You can make a turn today where you're You can make a turn today where you're at and you can go up a road. It's going at and you can go up a road. It's going at and you can go up a road. It's going to be rough. I tell you, it's not it's to be rough. I tell you, it's not it's to be rough. I tell you, it's not it's not easy serving serving the Lord. It's not easy serving serving the Lord. It's not easy serving serving the Lord. It's easier to serve the devil because you easier to serve the devil because you easier to serve the devil because you ain't got to do nothing but just do what ain't got to do nothing but just do what ain't got to do nothing but just do what you want to do. you want to do. you want to do. I mean, if if I take my life and carry I mean, if if I take my life and carry I mean, if if I take my life and carry it back for 51 years, I'm telling you, it back for 51 years, I'm telling you, it back for 51 years, I'm telling you, I've done things and had to do things I've done things and had to do things I've done things and had to do things that I'm telling you, I would have never that I'm telling you, I would have never that I'm telling you, I would have never done if I hadn't made a commitment. done if I hadn't made a commitment. done if I hadn't made a commitment. Sister Norland right here, right now, Sister Norland right here, right now, Sister Norland right here, right now, I'm telling you, that lady was a I'm telling you, that lady was a I'm telling you, that lady was a faithful lady. She said faithfulness. faithful lady. She said faithfulness. faithful lady. She said faithfulness. That's a powerful word that you can say That's a powerful word that you can say That's a powerful word that you can say over this lady. That's true. She was over this lady. That's true. She was over this lady. That's true. She was faithful. She was a tithe pair and she faithful. She was a tithe pair and she faithful. She was a tithe pair and she loved coming to church and she was an loved coming to church and she was an loved coming to church and she was an ontime church goer. I know lately here, ontime church goer. I know lately here, ontime church goer. I know lately here, Sister Sandy had a little little hard Sister Sandy had a little little hard Sister Sandy had a little little hard time and I understand that getting her time and I understand that getting her time and I understand that getting her to church sometimes, right? Like like to church sometimes, right? Like like to church sometimes, right? Like like need to be. But I'm telling you, if need to be. But I'm telling you, if need to be. But I'm telling you, if Norris would have been able to drive Norris would have been able to drive Norris would have been able to drive herself, she'd have never been late for herself, she'd have never been late for herself, she'd have never been late for one service and Sand would have never one service and Sand would have never one service and Sand would have never been late for one service. She should been late for one service. She should been late for one service. She should hadn't had to do what she had to do to hadn't had to do what she had to do to hadn't had to do what she had to do to try to get her here. But thank God for a try to get her here. But thank God for a try to get her here. But thank God for a daughter that got her here. I said, daughter that got her here. I said, daughter that got her here. I said, thank God for a daughter that got her thank God for a daughter that got her thank God for a daughter that got her here. I want to share something else with you. I want to share something else with you. I got a whole lot of more preaching here I got a whole lot of more preaching here I got a whole lot of more preaching here to do, but y'all can't y'all can't get to do, but y'all can't y'all can't get to do, but y'all can't y'all can't get all that. That's a lot of preaching, all that. That's a lot of preaching, all that. That's a lot of preaching, man. That's a lot of preaching. man. That's a lot of preaching. man. That's a lot of preaching. That's a Lord. That's a lot of preaching That's a Lord. That's a lot of preaching That's a Lord. That's a lot of preaching right there. Come back Sunday. I'll give right there. Come back Sunday. I'll give right there. Come back Sunday. I'll give it to you. Yes, sir. I can take my notes it to you. Yes, sir. I can take my notes it to you. Yes, sir. I can take my notes and just put it right in my sermon and just put it right in my sermon and just put it right in my sermon Sunday morning. I'd love to have you Sunday morning. I'd love to have you Sunday morning. I'd love to have you back here Sunday morning. I really back here Sunday morning. I really back here Sunday morning. I really would. Don't some of you sitting there and say, Don't some of you sitting there and say, "Well, I ain't coming." Don't say what "Well, I ain't coming." Don't say what "Well, I ain't coming." Don't say what you won't do. you won't do. you won't do. You could be here the next Sunday right You could be here the next Sunday right You could be here the next Sunday right here like she's here. Don't say you here like she's here. Don't say you here like she's here. Don't say you won't come back here. won't come back here. won't come back here. I learned that a long time ago. Don't I learned that a long time ago. Don't I learned that a long time ago. Don't say what you don't do. This man by the say what you don't do. This man by the say what you don't do. This man by the name of T. Davis, the star, I want to name of T. Davis, the star, I want to name of T. Davis, the star, I want to share this illustration with you. And share this illustration with you. And share this illustration with you. And I'm talking about the crossroad. I'm talking about the crossroad. I'm talking about the crossroad. This is a true story. He told this to be This is a true story. He told this to be This is a true story. He told this to be a true story. He was an evangelist. a true story. He was an evangelist. a true story. He was an evangelist. evangelist told told this individual evangelist told told this individual evangelist told told this individual about it, David Star, it's a star. He about it, David Star, it's a star. He about it, David Star, it's a star. He told him this. This happened while he told him this. This happened while he told him this. This happened while he was preaching. He said there was a there was preaching. He said there was a there was preaching. He said there was a there were there's tears were streaming from were there's tears were streaming from were there's tears were streaming from the evangelist's eyes as the spirit of the evangelist's eyes as the spirit of the evangelist's eyes as the spirit of God began to direct him towards three God began to direct him towards three God began to direct him towards three three young men. And I could go right three young men. And I could go right three young men. And I could go right down here and just pick three young men down here and just pick three young men down here and just pick three young men out, but I ain't going to look at you. out, but I ain't going to look at you. out, but I ain't going to look at you. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] And I could do what this evangelist did And I could do what this evangelist did And I could do what this evangelist did that that night during revival. Three that that night during revival. Three that that night during revival. Three young men sitting in a pew. But the only young men sitting in a pew. But the only young men sitting in a pew. But the only thing about these men, these three young thing about these men, these three young thing about these men, these three young men, you know where they were sitting at men, you know where they were sitting at men, you know where they were sitting at on the very back pew. And the message that night was a And the message that night was a powerful message. You know what he powerful message. You know what he powerful message. You know what he preached on the horrors of hell. The evangelist preached on the horrors The evangelist preached on the horrors of hell. of hell. of hell. And I mean he preached according to what And I mean he preached according to what And I mean he preached according to what this man said. He said the man of God this man said. He said the man of God this man said. He said the man of God had made it a passionate plea had made it a passionate plea had made it a passionate plea to attempt to rescue any soul that was to attempt to rescue any soul that was to attempt to rescue any soul that was bound bound bound in that service that night. And he in that service that night. And he in that service that night. And he approached the trio, the three boys that approached the trio, the three boys that approached the trio, the three boys that were on the back pew, and he asked them, were on the back pew, and he asked them, were on the back pew, and he asked them, "Please, will you come to the Lord and "Please, will you come to the Lord and "Please, will you come to the Lord and will you confess him tonight and get rid will you confess him tonight and get rid will you confess him tonight and get rid of your sin? Will you please come?" He of your sin? Will you please come?" He of your sin? Will you please come?" He pleaded with him and before he could utter the words, one and before he could utter the words, one of the men said and snuckled at him and of the men said and snuckled at him and of the men said and snuckled at him and said, "Huh, preacher, how far is it to said, "Huh, preacher, how far is it to said, "Huh, preacher, how far is it to hell anyway? hell anyway? hell anyway? How far is it to hell anyway?" You How far is it to hell anyway?" You How far is it to hell anyway?" You remember those words now? How far is it remember those words now? How far is it remember those words now? How far is it to hell anyway? to hell anyway? to hell anyway? This is a true story. I'm not telling This is a true story. I'm not telling This is a true story. I'm not telling you a fairy tale. I'm telling you you a fairy tale. I'm telling you you a fairy tale. I'm telling you something that actually happened to something that actually happened to something that actually happened to three young men. three young men. three young men. And the other two that was sitting there And the other two that was sitting there And the other two that was sitting there with this one that made that made that with this one that made that made that with this one that made that made that remark and asked that question, they all remark and asked that question, they all remark and asked that question, they all got up and turned and exit quickly and got up and turned and exit quickly and got up and turned and exit quickly and got out of that church. got out of that church. got out of that church. They got out of that church as quick as They got out of that church as quick as They got out of that church as quick as they could get out of that church. The they could get out of that church. The they could get out of that church. The evangelist told the story evangelist told the story evangelist told the story that as they were leaving the parking that as they were leaving the parking that as they were leaving the parking lot, tars was squealing out of the lot, tars was squealing out of the lot, tars was squealing out of the parking lot, burning rubber parking lot, burning rubber parking lot, burning rubber off the tires. off the tires. off the tires. There go. You see them? They're leaving There go. You see them? They're leaving There go. You see them? They're leaving the church. Burning rubber, speeding the church. Burning rubber, speeding the church. Burning rubber, speeding away. away. away. The evangel's heart was broken. The evangel's heart was broken. The evangel's heart was broken. follow them as far as he could possibly follow them as far as he could possibly follow them as far as he could possibly follow them, hoping that they would turn follow them, hoping that they would turn follow them, hoping that they would turn around and come back to the altar, around and come back to the altar, around and come back to the altar, but they didn't come back. They didn't but they didn't come back. They didn't but they didn't come back. They didn't turn around. turn around. turn around. They got to a crossroads that they could They got to a crossroads that they could They got to a crossroads that they could not come back. They crossed that not come back. They crossed that not come back. They crossed that crossroads and never were able to come crossroads and never were able to come crossroads and never were able to come back. back. back. In other words, In other words, In other words, however did they respond. And a number however did they respond. And a number however did they respond. And a number of the people that were there praying in of the people that were there praying in of the people that were there praying in the church in the office was praying for the church in the office was praying for the church in the office was praying for those three boys. And all of a sudden, a knock came at the door of the a knock came at the door of the sanctuary. Who was it? Who's there? Door was open. Who was it? Who's there? Door was open. It was a state highway patrolman It was a state highway patrolman It was a state highway patrolman in that area. in that area. in that area. The state patrol would ask the question, The state patrol would ask the question, The state patrol would ask the question, asked the question as they were asked the question as they were asked the question as they were paralyzed, paralyzed, paralyzed, the congregation wondering what they the congregation wondering what they the congregation wondering what they were asking a question. Do any of you were asking a question. Do any of you were asking a question. Do any of you all know three young men? Do y'all know all know three young men? Do y'all know all know three young men? Do y'all know these three young men? And the preacher said, "Huh? How far is And the preacher said, "Huh? How far is it to hell?" I asked you that question a it to hell?" I asked you that question a it to hell?" I asked you that question a while ago. How far is it to hell anyway? while ago. How far is it to hell anyway? while ago. How far is it to hell anyway? This young man asked the preacher. This young man asked the preacher. This young man asked the preacher. And he went on to describe what they And he went on to describe what they And he went on to describe what they were wearing down to what they had on were wearing down to what they had on were wearing down to what they had on to the congregation. to the congregation. to the congregation. And the congregation said, "Yes, we knew And the congregation said, "Yes, we knew And the congregation said, "Yes, we knew we know them three young men. We know we know them three young men. We know we know them three young men. We know them. Two and one half mile them. Two and one half mile them. Two and one half mile down the road." It happened here just a down the road." It happened here just a down the road." It happened here just a few months back, a year or so back, few months back, a year or so back, few months back, a year or so back, you've heard it. Three young men going you've heard it. Three young men going you've heard it. Three young men going down the road, running from the law, down the road, running from the law, down the road, running from the law, turned off at an exit that was too sharp turned off at an exit that was too sharp turned off at an exit that was too sharp to go straight to go straight to go straight and they slammed into a tree and they slammed into a tree and they slammed into a tree right here in Johnston County. And all right here in Johnston County. And all right here in Johnston County. And all three of them lost their life. These three of them lost their life. These three of them lost their life. These same three young men, two and a half same three young men, two and a half same three young men, two and a half miles from the church, two and a half miles from the church, two and a half miles from the church, two and a half miles from the church, running from God, miles from the church, running from God, miles from the church, running from God, ran off the road and hit a big oak tree ran off the road and hit a big oak tree ran off the road and hit a big oak tree toward the car half and two. And when toward the car half and two. And when toward the car half and two. And when the congregation, some of the membership the congregation, some of the membership the congregation, some of the membership got down to where the wreck was at, got down to where the wreck was at, got down to where the wreck was at, there are these three bodies laid there are these three bodies laid there are these three bodies laid outside the car on side of the road outside the car on side of the road outside the car on side of the road dead. dead. dead. That don't put no fear in your heart. That don't put no fear in your heart. That don't put no fear in your heart. That don't put nothing in your mind. I'm That don't put nothing in your mind. I'm That don't put nothing in your mind. I'm telling you, it bothered me the other telling you, it bothered me the other telling you, it bothered me the other morning. I'm telling you, I cried behind morning. I'm telling you, I cried behind morning. I'm telling you, I cried behind that desk when God shared this with me. that desk when God shared this with me. that desk when God shared this with me. I said, "God, I don't know why you want I said, "God, I don't know why you want I said, "God, I don't know why you want me to say this. I don't know who's going me to say this. I don't know who's going me to say this. I don't know who's going to be there, but God, I'm going to obey to be there, but God, I'm going to obey to be there, but God, I'm going to obey your word and I'm going to ask you the your word and I'm going to ask you the your word and I'm going to ask you the question, when, where, and how will you question, when, where, and how will you question, when, where, and how will you handle it when you get to the crossroad handle it when you get to the crossroad handle it when you get to the crossroad that you got to cross over into that you got to cross over into that you got to cross over into eternity? What are you going to do?" I eternity? What are you going to do?" I eternity? What are you going to do?" I said, "What are you going to do?" said, "What are you going to do?" said, "What are you going to do?" Because you're going to have to have Because you're going to have to have Because you're going to have to have your decision already prepared and made your decision already prepared and made your decision already prepared and made before you cross over into eternity. before you cross over into eternity. before you cross over into eternity. Because when you cross over into Because when you cross over into Because when you cross over into eternity, you're either saved or you're eternity, you're either saved or you're eternity, you're either saved or you're not saved. You're either wise going to not saved. You're either wise going to not saved. You're either wise going to heaven or you're not going to heaven. heaven or you're not going to heaven. heaven or you're not going to heaven. What is your going? What are you going What is your going? What are you going What is your going? What are you going to do? to do? to do? You say, "Preacher, I never do that in You say, "Preacher, I never do that in You say, "Preacher, I never do that in church." You've done worse. I've done church." You've done worse. I've done church." You've done worse. I've done worse. We all done worse. worse. We all done worse. worse. We all done worse. Folks, I'm telling you, being a Folks, I'm telling you, being a Folks, I'm telling you, being a Christian is not something to play with. Christian is not something to play with. Christian is not something to play with. And I believe in my heart that God told And I believe in my heart that God told And I believe in my heart that God told me to challenge you here today. This is me to challenge you here today. This is me to challenge you here today. This is an eternal life insurance policy. Sister Sister Mother Norris right here. She had Mother Norris right here. She had Mother Norris right here. She had eternal life insurance policy. eternal life insurance policy. eternal life insurance policy. Fred Norris, I gave him one and he Fred Norris, I gave him one and he Fred Norris, I gave him one and he signed it. signed it. signed it. Sister Norris, I never gave her one Sister Norris, I never gave her one Sister Norris, I never gave her one because she already signed it years because she already signed it years because she already signed it years before I ever knew her. And I've given out, and I'm not And I've given out, and I'm not exaggerating, over the years across exaggerating, over the years across exaggerating, over the years across across the country, several different across the country, several different across the country, several different countries, I've given these tracks out countries, I've given these tracks out countries, I've given these tracks out all over the world and about eight or all over the world and about eight or all over the world and about eight or nine different countries. I don't know how many has gotten saved I don't know how many has gotten saved and signed, then sign it, but I know and signed, then sign it, but I know and signed, then sign it, but I know here just recently in a revival, we had here just recently in a revival, we had here just recently in a revival, we had about 14 people that came to the altar about 14 people that came to the altar about 14 people that came to the altar during that revival and and we had every during that revival and and we had every during that revival and and we had every one of them to sign one of these one of them to sign one of these one of them to sign one of these contracts. You see, when she died a few contracts. You see, when she died a few contracts. You see, when she died a few days ago, Sister Sandy, if she didn't days ago, Sister Sandy, if she didn't days ago, Sister Sandy, if she didn't have an insurance policy on her have an insurance policy on her have an insurance policy on her selfdeath, selfdeath, selfdeath, y'all would have been the ones, and I y'all would have been the ones, and I y'all would have been the ones, and I don't know what went on. I don't even don't know what went on. I don't even don't know what went on. I don't even know if she did or didn't, but y'all know if she did or didn't, but y'all know if she did or didn't, but y'all would have been the one that had to pay would have been the one that had to pay would have been the one that had to pay for this, for this, for this, but if she had an insurance policy, the but if she had an insurance policy, the but if she had an insurance policy, the insurance policy will pay for that. insurance policy will pay for that. insurance policy will pay for that. Ain't that something? I've had to participate in those type of I've had to participate in those type of things where a person died that didn't things where a person died that didn't things where a person died that didn't have no insurance policy. But this right here, if you die and But this right here, if you die and don't have this insurance policy, there don't have this insurance policy, there don't have this insurance policy, there ain't nobody can help you. You pay for ain't nobody can help you. You pay for ain't nobody can help you. You pay for it. it. it. Cuz this is eternal life. Cuz this is eternal life. Cuz this is eternal life. You hear me here this this morning, You hear me here this this morning, You hear me here this this morning, church. I ask God to help me. Please church. I ask God to help me. Please church. I ask God to help me. Please help me. I don't want to I don't I don't help me. I don't want to I don't I don't help me. I don't want to I don't I don't want to scare nobody. I want to hurt want to scare nobody. I want to hurt want to scare nobody. I want to hurt nobody, but I'm telling you. I want to nobody, but I'm telling you. I want to nobody, but I'm telling you. I want to tell you the truth. I want you to bow tell you the truth. I want you to bow tell you the truth. I want you to bow your heads right now. I want you I want your heads right now. I want you I want your heads right now. I want you I want you to close your eyes all over this you to close your eyes all over this you to close your eyes all over this church. Please do it. I'm fixing to church. Please do it. I'm fixing to church. Please do it. I'm fixing to close. I'm not going to immerse nobody. close. I'm not going to immerse nobody. close. I'm not going to immerse nobody. I'm not going to immerse nobody. But I'm I'm not going to immerse nobody. But I'm I'm not going to immerse nobody. But I'm challenging you here this evening. What challenging you here this evening. What challenging you here this evening. What are you going to do when you get to the are you going to do when you get to the are you going to do when you get to the crossroads between life and death? Where crossroads between life and death? Where crossroads between life and death? Where you going to head up? Where you going to you going to head up? Where you going to you going to head up? Where you going to go? It's your choice. go? It's your choice. go? It's your choice. I've got plenty of these life and I've got plenty of these life and I've got plenty of these life and eternal life insurance policies here. eternal life insurance policies here. eternal life insurance policies here. They're available. And I've got a pen. They're available. And I've got a pen. They're available. And I've got a pen. And brother Joe Beast. Jones. He And brother Joe Beast. Jones. He And brother Joe Beast. Jones. He preached a message on Sunday night on preached a message on Sunday night on preached a message on Sunday night on Father's Day night. He preached a Father's Day night. He preached a Father's Day night. He preached a message like I've never heard anybody message like I've never heard anybody message like I've never heard anybody preach on a Father's Day service. He preached about a penny. He gave He preached about a penny. He gave everybody in the church a penny. And the message that he was preaching us And the message that he was preaching us is simply this. It ain't going to cost is simply this. It ain't going to cost is simply this. It ain't going to cost you nothing this morning to get right you nothing this morning to get right you nothing this morning to get right with God. It won't even cost you a penny with God. It won't even cost you a penny with God. It won't even cost you a penny to say, "Yes, Lord, I'll serve you." It to say, "Yes, Lord, I'll serve you." It to say, "Yes, Lord, I'll serve you." It won't cost you nothing but your sin. And won't cost you nothing but your sin. And won't cost you nothing but your sin. And your sin won't be yours because Jesus your sin won't be yours because Jesus your sin won't be yours because Jesus died to bear the penalty of your sins. died to bear the penalty of your sins. died to bear the penalty of your sins. And if you're wed today, nobody looking And if you're wed today, nobody looking And if you're wed today, nobody looking around. And I just want to I just want around. And I just want to I just want around. And I just want to I just want to make this and I'm not going to to make this and I'm not going to to make this and I'm not going to embarrass nobody, please. I'm not going embarrass nobody, please. I'm not going embarrass nobody, please. I'm not going to endorse nobody. I just want to pray to endorse nobody. I just want to pray to endorse nobody. I just want to pray for you. I'm going to pray for you. I'm for you. I'm going to pray for you. I'm for you. I'm going to pray for you. I'm not going to publicly try to get you to not going to publicly try to get you to not going to publicly try to get you to to make a public confession this morning to make a public confession this morning to make a public confession this morning unless you really want one. But if unless you really want one. But if unless you really want one. But if you're here among this congregation, not you're here among this congregation, not you're here among this congregation, not just among this family, and you're not just among this family, and you're not just among this family, and you're not ready to meet God, you have you have not ready to meet God, you have you have not ready to meet God, you have you have not made your your election sure, you made your your election sure, you made your your election sure, you haven't prayed the sinner's prayer and haven't prayed the sinner's prayer and haven't prayed the sinner's prayer and ask Jesus to save you and wash you and ask Jesus to save you and wash you and ask Jesus to save you and wash you and cleanse you from your from your blood. cleanse you from your from your blood. cleanse you from your from your blood. And you you won't ask this preacher and And you you won't ask this preacher and And you you won't ask this preacher and the congregation hit Wilson Smith to the congregation hit Wilson Smith to the congregation hit Wilson Smith to pray for you. I'm not going to display pray for you. I'm not going to display pray for you. I'm not going to display your name. I'm going to just share with your name. I'm going to just share with your name. I'm going to just share with them that there's several hands that's them that there's several hands that's them that there's several hands that's going to go up and nobody looking going to go up and nobody looking going to go up and nobody looking around, please. Nobody looking around. I around, please. Nobody looking around. I around, please. Nobody looking around. I don't nobody I don't want nobody peeping don't nobody I don't want nobody peeping don't nobody I don't want nobody peeping like a peeping tom. I want you to keep like a peeping tom. I want you to keep like a peeping tom. I want you to keep your eyes closed. If you want this your eyes closed. If you want this your eyes closed. If you want this church and myself to pray for you that church and myself to pray for you that church and myself to pray for you that you'll get things right before God you'll get things right before God you'll get things right before God before you cross over that crossroad, before you cross over that crossroad, before you cross over that crossroad, just slip your hand right up and slip it just slip your hand right up and slip it just slip your hand right up and slip it right back down. God bless this hand. right back down. God bless this hand. right back down. God bless this hand. God bless this hand. Come on. Come on. God bless this hand. Come on. Come on. God bless this hand. Come on. Come on. You want the pre God bless this hand. You want the pre God bless this hand. You want the pre God bless this hand. Anybody else? Come on. You just want the Anybody else? Come on. You just want the Anybody else? Come on. You just want the preacher to pray for you. God bless this preacher to pray for you. God bless this preacher to pray for you. God bless this hand. Anybody else? I'm looking for hand. Anybody else? I'm looking for hand. Anybody else? I'm looking for hands. Come on. There's more hands in hands. Come on. There's more hands in hands. Come on. There's more hands in here that need to be going. Now, if here that need to be going. Now, if here that need to be going. Now, if you're not willing to lift your own hand you're not willing to lift your own hand you're not willing to lift your own hand up and ask for prayer, then ain't nobody up and ask for prayer, then ain't nobody up and ask for prayer, then ain't nobody can help you. But if you want help, help can help you. But if you want help, help can help you. But if you want help, help is available. What about it? Do you want is available. What about it? Do you want is available. What about it? Do you want to be saved before you cross over that to be saved before you cross over that to be saved before you cross over that crossroad? Because there's only two crossroad? Because there's only two crossroad? Because there's only two places to go once you cross that places to go once you cross that places to go once you cross that crossroad. Is heaven or hell? There crossroad. Is heaven or hell? There crossroad. Is heaven or hell? There ain't no other choices. I said there ain't no other choices. I said there ain't no other choices. I said there ain't no other choices. All right. Now, ain't no other choices. All right. Now, ain't no other choices. All right. Now, we're going to pray. Father, in the name we're going to pray. Father, in the name we're going to pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, God, as we come before your of Jesus, God, as we come before your of Jesus, God, as we come before your presence right here on behalf of this presence right here on behalf of this presence right here on behalf of this family and this congregation that Lord, family and this congregation that Lord, family and this congregation that Lord, that is gathered here today, we know that is gathered here today, we know that is gathered here today, we know that God that Jesus Christ is the same that God that Jesus Christ is the same that God that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. God, yesterday, today, and forever more. God, yesterday, today, and forever more. God, there's four or five hands that went up there's four or five hands that went up there's four or five hands that went up here this morning and God should have here this morning and God should have here this morning and God should have been a whole lot more. And even though been a whole lot more. And even though been a whole lot more. And even though they didn't go up, God, I'm still going they didn't go up, God, I'm still going they didn't go up, God, I'm still going to believe you and I'm still going to to believe you and I'm still going to to believe you and I'm still going to trust you, God, because they're at a trust you, God, because they're at a trust you, God, because they're at a crossroad. Cuz right now, I put them at crossroad. Cuz right now, I put them at crossroad. Cuz right now, I put them at that crossroad with your word. and your that crossroad with your word. and your that crossroad with your word. and your word is put on there because the Bible word is put on there because the Bible word is put on there because the Bible said in Hebrews 9:27, it is appointed said in Hebrews 9:27, it is appointed said in Hebrews 9:27, it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this unto men once to die, but after this unto men once to die, but after this there is the judgment. In reality, I there is the judgment. In reality, I there is the judgment. In reality, I suppose that we all are just one breath suppose that we all are just one breath suppose that we all are just one breath away from judgment. Right now in this away from judgment. Right now in this away from judgment. Right now in this sanctuary, one breath away from sanctuary, one breath away from sanctuary, one breath away from judgment. judgment. judgment. I'm going to take another few minutes. I'm going to take another few minutes. I'm going to take another few minutes. Open your eyes. I want you to look at Open your eyes. I want you to look at Open your eyes. I want you to look at me. I'm going to take another few me. I'm going to take another few me. I'm going to take another few minutes. I was I had this in my minutes. I was I had this in my minutes. I was I had this in my scripture and I said, "God, if you want scripture and I said, "God, if you want scripture and I said, "God, if you want me to read it to the congregation, you me to read it to the congregation, you me to read it to the congregation, you speak to me while I'm praying." He spoke speak to me while I'm praying." He spoke speak to me while I'm praying." He spoke to me. Listen, Proverbs and I'm I'm to me. Listen, Proverbs and I'm I'm to me. Listen, Proverbs and I'm I'm closing. And I'm a Pentecostal preacher closing. And I'm a Pentecostal preacher closing. And I'm a Pentecostal preacher and I I at least have three to four and I I at least have three to four and I I at least have three to four closings. Y'all understand that, don't closings. Y'all understand that, don't closings. Y'all understand that, don't you? you? you? And sometimes I have five or six. And sometimes I have five or six. And sometimes I have five or six. I'm just reminding you I'm closing. I I'm just reminding you I'm closing. I I'm just reminding you I'm closing. I ain't saying I'm closing. I'm just I'm just trying to get some of you I'm just trying to get some of you laughing because I'm telling you, we laughing because I'm telling you, we laughing because I'm telling you, we need to laugh and praise God around here need to laugh and praise God around here need to laugh and praise God around here this this morning because I'm telling this this morning because I'm telling this this morning because I'm telling this sister has made her crossing and we this sister has made her crossing and we this sister has made her crossing and we ought to rejoice [screaming] that she's ought to rejoice [screaming] that she's ought to rejoice [screaming] that she's made at home where she worked so hard to made at home where she worked so hard to made at home where she worked so hard to get there. But in Proverbs chapter 1 verse 22, "How But in Proverbs chapter 1 verse 22, "How long, you simple ones, will you love long, you simple ones, will you love long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity, and the scorners delight in simplicity, and the scorners delight in simplicity, and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate their scorning, and fools hate their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof. knowledge? Turn you at my reproof. knowledge? Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you. I will make known my works unto you. I will make known my works unto you. I will make known my works unto you, because I have called, and you you, because I have called, and you you, because I have called, and you refuse. I have stretched out my hand, refuse. I have stretched out my hand, refuse. I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but ye have said it and no man regarded, but ye have said it and no man regarded, but ye have said it at not all my counsel, and with none of at not all my counsel, and with none of at not all my counsel, and with none of my reproof, I also laugh at your my reproof, I also laugh at your my reproof, I also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear calamity. I will mock when your fear calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh, and when your fear cometh as a cometh, and when your fear cometh as a cometh, and when your fear cometh as a desolation, and your destruction cometh desolation, and your destruction cometh desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and as a whirlwind, when distress and as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they anguish cometh upon you, then shall they anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call on me, but I will not answer. They call on me, but I will not answer. They call on me, but I will not answer. They shall seek me early, but they shall not shall seek me early, but they shall not shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. For that the hat the that hat find me. For that the hat the that hat find me. For that the hat the that hat the hatred of knowledge, Amen. And that the hatred of knowledge, Amen. And that the hatred of knowledge, Amen. And that did not they hated knowledge and did not did not they hated knowledge and did not did not they hated knowledge and did not choose, Amen. the fear of the Lord. They choose, Amen. the fear of the Lord. They choose, Amen. the fear of the Lord. They would none of my counsel. They despise would none of my counsel. They despise would none of my counsel. They despise all of my reproof. Therefore shall they all of my reproof. Therefore shall they all of my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be eat of the fruit of their own way and be eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices. For the filled with their own devices. For the filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple ones, Amen, turning away of the simple ones, Amen, turning away of the simple ones, Amen, shall slay them, and the prosperity of shall slay them, and the prosperity of shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whosoever fools shall destroy them. But whosoever fools shall destroy them. But whosoever hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quite from fear of evil. and shall be quite from fear of evil. and shall be quite from fear of evil. Isn't it a great Isn't it great to know Isn't it a great Isn't it great to know Isn't it a great Isn't it great to know that sin that sin that sin sins forgiven will allow us to stand sins forgiven will allow us to stand sins forgiven will allow us to stand with joy unspeakable before the judge of with joy unspeakable before the judge of with joy unspeakable before the judge of the universe and the king of kings and the universe and the king of kings and the universe and the king of kings and the lord of lords Jesus Christ the son the lord of lords Jesus Christ the son the lord of lords Jesus Christ the son of god when he comes. of god when he comes. of god when he comes. I thank you for allowing me, Sister I thank you for allowing me, Sister I thank you for allowing me, Sister Sandy and family, for allowing me to Sandy and family, for allowing me to Sandy and family, for allowing me to share with you all and all of those that share with you all and all of those that share with you all and all of those that are here today in this message. are here today in this message. are here today in this message. We're going to be departing here in just We're going to be departing here in just We're going to be departing here in just a few minutes going to the grave site. a few minutes going to the grave site. a few minutes going to the grave site. And for those of you that would like to And for those of you that would like to And for those of you that would like to follow, you're welcome to go. As far as follow, you're welcome to go. As far as follow, you're welcome to go. As far as I know, no one is is forbidden to go and I know, no one is is forbidden to go and I know, no one is is forbidden to go and we will we'll do our last performances we will we'll do our last performances we will we'll do our last performances over there at the graveside. Thank you. over there at the graveside. Thank you. over there at the graveside. Thank you. And let me invite you to a Holy Ghost And let me invite you to a Holy Ghost And let me invite you to a Holy Ghost count meeting. It's my last count meeting. It's my last count meeting. It's my last announcement. I've got flyers all out announcement. I've got flyers all out announcement. I've got flyers all out there on the table. there on the table. there on the table. I challenge you to get you one of them. I challenge you to get you one of them. I challenge you to get you one of them. Evangelist Jeremy Per, Pastor Josh Evangelist Jeremy Per, Pastor Josh Evangelist Jeremy Per, Pastor Josh Carowway, and Evangelist Curtis T. camp Carowway, and Evangelist Curtis T. camp Carowway, and Evangelist Curtis T. camp meeting 2026 meeting 2026 meeting 2026 July the 12th through the 17th right July the 12th through the 17th right July the 12th through the 17th right here in this sanctuary we'll be here here in this sanctuary we'll be here here in this sanctuary we'll be here with 15 straight services and we invite with 15 straight services and we invite with 15 straight services and we invite you at least to one of those services you at least to one of those services you at least to one of those services and if you come early enough in the week and if you come early enough in the week and if you come early enough in the week you might make the rest of them because you might make the rest of them because you might make the rest of them because God could transform you and you could God could transform you and you could God could transform you and you could come across that crossroad to salvation come across that crossroad to salvation come across that crossroad to salvation and would have a desire because I got and would have a desire because I got and would have a desire because I got saved in 1974 saved in 1974 saved in 1974 September the 5th my first camp meeting September the 5th my first camp meeting September the 5th my first camp meeting I ever went to was on a Wednesday night. I ever went to was on a Wednesday night. I ever went to was on a Wednesday night. On a Wednesday night at the Primro camp On a Wednesday night at the Primro camp On a Wednesday night at the Primro camp meeting, never been in a camp meeting. meeting, never been in a camp meeting. meeting, never been in a camp meeting. And them folks back then were wilder and And them folks back then were wilder and And them folks back then were wilder and I am right now. And I was a sinner just I am right now. And I was a sinner just I am right now. And I was a sinner just like some of you are. Scared me to like some of you are. Scared me to like some of you are. Scared me to death. But brother Clyde, my older brother, he But brother Clyde, my older brother, he had gotten saved in July. He invited me had gotten saved in July. He invited me had gotten saved in July. He invited me to go back that Thursday night. So on to go back that Thursday night. So on to go back that Thursday night. So on Thursday night, I went back and guess Thursday night, I went back and guess Thursday night, I went back and guess what? I crossed over to the salvation what? I crossed over to the salvation what? I crossed over to the salvation part and I ain't looked back and ain't part and I ain't looked back and ain't part and I ain't looked back and ain't turning back and don't want have no turning back and don't want have no turning back and don't want have no desire to go back. And that's been desire to go back. And that's been desire to go back. And that's been almost this September will be 52 years almost this September will be 52 years almost this September will be 52 years ago. Stand to your feet. The the the the ago. Stand to your feet. The the the the ago. Stand to your feet. The the the the the family stand to your you stand to the family stand to your you stand to the family stand to your you stand to your feet cuz you're fixing to be taken your feet cuz you're fixing to be taken your feet cuz you're fixing to be taken out. Rest of you stay seated. I' been living [music and singing] I' been living [music and singing] in this world. Always [singing] looking Always [singing] looking for a place to call my home. See, I' never See, I' never been sisfied been sisfied been sisfied with what I address. address. change. I'm moving I'm moving to a much better [singing] place. There'll be no tears, no sorrow. There'll be no tears, no sorrow. [singing] [singing] [singing] There'll be no more pain. This is to There'll be no more pain. This is to There'll be no more pain. This is to tell [singing] you of my tell [singing] you of my tell [singing] you of my change. The [singing] place [music] The [singing] place [music] where I'm [singing and music] [singing and music] flows like crystal.
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