1 00:00:29,859 --> 00:00:30,379 Sacrifice. 2 00:00:30,379 --> 00:00:30,979 Amen. 3 00:00:31,299 --> 00:00:33,619 Without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. 4 00:00:34,659 --> 00:00:37,459 So, so thankful what the Lord did for us. 5 00:00:37,859 --> 00:00:40,899 And I'm thankful that Brother Knickerbocker is back with us tonight. 6 00:00:41,219 --> 00:00:43,339 Come on and preach for us. 7 00:00:43,339 --> 00:00:45,379 He's now from Central Texas. 8 00:00:45,939 --> 00:00:47,379 He was from North Texas. 9 00:00:47,859 --> 00:00:48,979 He abandoned us. 10 00:00:48,979 --> 00:00:49,419 Yes. 11 00:00:49,419 --> 00:00:49,859 Yeah. 12 00:00:51,379 --> 00:00:56,179 Well, my wife and I were traveling constantly in 24. 13 00:00:56,179 --> 00:01:01,299 We were in see 58 churches in 52 weeks. 14 00:01:03,379 --> 00:01:06,899 And we looked at each other and said, why are we doing this? 15 00:01:07,939 --> 00:01:12,019 And it wasn't for lack of opportunity, I can tell you. 16 00:01:13,058 --> 00:01:19,579 But then it was funny because my pastor, Adam Garver, said, why 17 00:01:19,579 --> 00:01:21,459 don't you come and be my assistant? 18 00:01:21,619 --> 00:01:24,499 And I looked over the resume, and I said, what are you going to 19 00:01:24,499 --> 00:01:24,739 do? 20 00:01:27,739 --> 00:01:29,339 He thought that was really funny. 21 00:01:30,459 --> 00:01:32,059 I said, no, I don't want to do that. 22 00:01:32,459 --> 00:01:37,139 And then a couple years later, he said, I'm really burdened about 23 00:01:37,139 --> 00:01:43,779 a Baptist ministry training center, and I would like to see us 24 00:01:43,779 --> 00:01:44,499 train us. 25 00:01:44,499 --> 00:01:50,579 I'd like to see us train the next generation on how to do the 26 00:01:50,579 --> 00:01:54,439 ministry, whether it be starting a church, taking a church, 27 00:01:54,439 --> 00:01:58,919 whether it be working as a youth director, secretary, you name 28 00:01:58,919 --> 00:01:59,239 it. 29 00:02:00,039 --> 00:02:08,839 And so we started this, well, six weeks ago, and we have six students. 30 00:02:09,559 --> 00:02:14,719 And our first course was assisting the pastor. 31 00:02:14,719 --> 00:02:16,119 That was the one I got to teach. 32 00:02:17,009 --> 00:02:18,689 And then Nick Leppard. 33 00:02:18,689 --> 00:02:20,209 How many know Nick Leppard? 34 00:02:20,529 --> 00:02:24,409 He said, don't believe anything that they say about me up 35 00:02:24,409 --> 00:02:24,689 there. 36 00:02:25,729 --> 00:02:26,449 But he said. 37 00:02:26,449 --> 00:02:28,449 He said to say hello to all of you. 38 00:02:28,769 --> 00:02:34,129 He took on office management, which I have no clue what that's 39 00:02:34,129 --> 00:02:34,609 all about. 40 00:02:34,609 --> 00:02:35,249 Amen. 41 00:02:35,889 --> 00:02:37,329 And then one. 42 00:02:37,409 --> 00:02:38,529 One more teacher. 43 00:02:38,929 --> 00:02:43,939 I took on Christ honoring music, and that was the first module. 44 00:02:43,939 --> 00:02:46,859 We have 10 modules each are nine weeks long. 45 00:02:47,259 --> 00:02:48,939 Takes two years to go through it. 46 00:02:49,739 --> 00:02:52,979 And we even have a student coming from a college that's got 47 00:02:52,979 --> 00:02:57,099 a bachelor's degree, will be starting with us here in a few months, 48 00:02:57,419 --> 00:02:58,899 and we're excited about that. 49 00:02:58,899 --> 00:03:00,779 He goes, I want to be mentored. 50 00:03:01,579 --> 00:03:03,979 So we're going to put them to work, Pastor, that's for sure. 51 00:03:04,539 --> 00:03:05,539 And we're excited. 52 00:03:05,539 --> 00:03:06,779 So pray for that, would you? 53 00:03:06,779 --> 00:03:08,779 Baptist Ministry Training center. 54 00:03:10,319 --> 00:03:11,679 And keep us in your prayers. 55 00:03:11,919 --> 00:03:12,799 We want that. 56 00:03:13,759 --> 00:03:15,239 Well, it's been a delight, Pastor. 57 00:03:15,239 --> 00:03:17,759 Thank you for inviting me and my wife to come. 58 00:03:17,759 --> 00:03:18,639 We've loved it. 59 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:21,879 We enjoyed the Young Couples for Sunday school. 60 00:03:21,879 --> 00:03:22,559 That was fun. 61 00:03:24,159 --> 00:03:24,639 Wow. 62 00:03:25,439 --> 00:03:30,879 I really was amazed at the sausage and biscuits. 63 00:03:31,999 --> 00:03:32,719 Pretty amazing. 64 00:03:32,719 --> 00:03:34,399 Okay, let's get serious now. 65 00:03:35,289 --> 00:03:36,329 Colossians, chapter two. 66 00:03:36,329 --> 00:03:37,129 Would you turn there? 67 00:03:38,969 --> 00:03:40,809 Are you enlisted in the fight? 68 00:03:40,889 --> 00:03:45,849 We sang it A little while ago, being enlisted in the fight. 69 00:03:46,649 --> 00:03:50,809 Now I want to say to you, all of you, every one of you, without 70 00:03:51,129 --> 00:03:56,089 exception, you're enlisted in a fight for sure. 71 00:03:57,129 --> 00:03:57,849 Okay? 72 00:03:58,649 --> 00:04:00,729 The Bible calls it a good fight. 73 00:04:00,729 --> 00:04:06,989 In fact, Timothy was told by the apostle Paul, fight the good 74 00:04:07,069 --> 00:04:08,589 fight of faith. 75 00:04:09,309 --> 00:04:14,989 Lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art also called and 76 00:04:14,989 --> 00:04:19,549 hath professed a good profession before many witnesses. 77 00:04:19,629 --> 00:04:24,269 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all 78 00:04:24,269 --> 00:04:24,669 things. 79 00:04:24,669 --> 00:04:30,349 And before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a 80 00:04:30,349 --> 00:04:39,289 good confession that thou keep this commandment without spot unrebukeable 81 00:04:40,329 --> 00:04:44,649 until the appearing wow of our Lord Jesus Christ. 82 00:04:44,889 --> 00:04:51,529 You're either fighting the good fight of faith or you are fighting 83 00:04:51,529 --> 00:04:52,569 against it. 84 00:04:54,409 --> 00:04:57,779 He that is not for me is what? 85 00:05:00,339 --> 00:05:01,059 It's true. 86 00:05:02,019 --> 00:05:06,379 All of us have fought against the convicting power of the Holy 87 00:05:06,379 --> 00:05:07,619 Spirit of God upon us. 88 00:05:08,259 --> 00:05:12,979 Many times we've said no when God wanted us to say yes. 89 00:05:14,339 --> 00:05:16,219 So we have to take that into consideration. 90 00:05:16,219 --> 00:05:17,699 I want to speak this evening. 91 00:05:17,699 --> 00:05:21,739 On which generation do you represent today? 92 00:05:21,739 --> 00:05:26,359 There are three generations here this evening, and you're in 93 00:05:26,359 --> 00:05:27,999 one of three categories. 94 00:05:29,999 --> 00:05:32,159 Let's go to Colossians, chapter two. 95 00:05:32,399 --> 00:05:38,639 We're looking there in chapter two, beginning there in verse six. 96 00:05:39,519 --> 00:05:43,599 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, are you saved? 97 00:05:44,399 --> 00:05:44,879 All right. 98 00:05:44,879 --> 00:05:45,519 That's you. 99 00:05:46,319 --> 00:05:48,319 Walk ye in him. 100 00:05:48,319 --> 00:05:49,599 So walk ye in him. 101 00:05:51,249 --> 00:05:52,569 Are you walking in the Lord. 102 00:05:52,569 --> 00:05:56,129 Walking with the Lord, rooted and built up in him. 103 00:05:57,169 --> 00:05:59,249 Established in the faith. 104 00:05:59,249 --> 00:06:03,249 Now, that means that you know enough about God to be a stable, 105 00:06:04,449 --> 00:06:05,729 faithful Christian. 106 00:06:06,929 --> 00:06:08,289 Stable in the faith. 107 00:06:09,089 --> 00:06:13,129 As ye have been taught, so you have needed to be taught. 108 00:06:13,129 --> 00:06:14,249 And you've been taught. 109 00:06:14,249 --> 00:06:17,659 And now you've been become established, you know what you believe. 110 00:06:18,299 --> 00:06:20,859 Many Christians don't know much about what they believe. 111 00:06:21,579 --> 00:06:23,659 And that's why we have discipleship. 112 00:06:23,659 --> 00:06:25,419 That's why we get into the Word of God. 113 00:06:25,419 --> 00:06:28,979 That's why your preacher preaches week after week after week, 114 00:06:28,979 --> 00:06:31,658 month after month after month, year after year after year. 115 00:06:31,658 --> 00:06:31,979 Why? 116 00:06:32,699 --> 00:06:34,939 So that you can learn the Word of God. 117 00:06:35,259 --> 00:06:36,939 So you know how to live. 118 00:06:37,979 --> 00:06:40,299 And it brings maturity to your life. 119 00:06:40,779 --> 00:06:41,579 Watch this now. 120 00:06:41,579 --> 00:06:42,859 Abounding therein. 121 00:06:42,859 --> 00:06:43,499 With what? 122 00:06:44,489 --> 00:06:46,009 Complaining and getting critical. 123 00:06:47,289 --> 00:06:48,169 What's it say? 124 00:06:49,209 --> 00:06:50,089 We're thankful. 125 00:06:50,969 --> 00:06:54,289 We live with a thankful spirit. 126 00:06:54,289 --> 00:06:55,129 We love it. 127 00:06:55,849 --> 00:06:56,369 Notice. 128 00:06:56,369 --> 00:07:00,009 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy. 129 00:07:01,369 --> 00:07:03,689 Philosophy is what man believes. 130 00:07:04,169 --> 00:07:06,969 Theology is what God believes. 131 00:07:06,969 --> 00:07:07,849 Watch this now. 132 00:07:09,209 --> 00:07:14,569 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit. 133 00:07:16,039 --> 00:07:20,039 After the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, 134 00:07:20,679 --> 00:07:22,519 and not after Christ. 135 00:07:23,319 --> 00:07:26,879 You know that we have three enemies in our the world, the flesh 136 00:07:26,879 --> 00:07:27,639 and the devil. 137 00:07:28,679 --> 00:07:32,679 And you are being attacked by one of them every day of your life. 138 00:07:33,719 --> 00:07:37,839 And what he's saying here is that we have come to the place in 139 00:07:37,839 --> 00:07:42,169 our lives where we know who our enemies are and we do our best 140 00:07:42,169 --> 00:07:43,129 to avoid them. 141 00:07:43,929 --> 00:07:47,209 We know what's right because we're rooted and grounded. 142 00:07:48,329 --> 00:07:54,649 And we must live the Christian life and live it by faith and be 143 00:07:54,649 --> 00:07:55,689 thankful for it. 144 00:07:55,769 --> 00:07:56,729 Look at verse nine. 145 00:07:57,449 --> 00:08:01,769 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 146 00:08:02,329 --> 00:08:03,769 And ye are what? 147 00:08:05,129 --> 00:08:05,849 Complete. 148 00:08:06,979 --> 00:08:08,499 You're complete in Christ. 149 00:08:09,459 --> 00:08:12,579 There's nothing else that I need other than Christ. 150 00:08:13,699 --> 00:08:15,699 He fully satisfies. 151 00:08:16,259 --> 00:08:17,219 He really does. 152 00:08:18,099 --> 00:08:21,499 The only time that you don't think he satisfies is when you're 153 00:08:21,499 --> 00:08:23,779 trying to get other things to satisfy. 154 00:08:26,099 --> 00:08:27,779 And we know what that is, don't we? 155 00:08:27,939 --> 00:08:34,169 It's selfishness, bitterness, attitudes, and that all comes. 156 00:08:34,169 --> 00:08:36,649 It can come just like that to you. 157 00:08:37,289 --> 00:08:38,889 As bad as that could be. 158 00:08:39,609 --> 00:08:42,569 Holiness can come to you just as quickly. 159 00:08:43,609 --> 00:08:51,729 The Bible says that where Paul said it, I die daily, moment by moment. 160 00:08:51,729 --> 00:08:53,129 We have to die, don't we? 161 00:08:54,569 --> 00:08:57,129 A terrible thought comes into your mind. 162 00:08:57,129 --> 00:08:58,889 Where did that come from? 163 00:08:59,249 --> 00:09:01,009 It doesn't matter where it came from. 164 00:09:01,489 --> 00:09:05,329 It's what you do with it determines whether you're victorious 165 00:09:05,329 --> 00:09:06,369 or you're defeated. 166 00:09:06,689 --> 00:09:10,529 Let's quit using excuses for our sin. 167 00:09:11,089 --> 00:09:13,169 Well, you know, the Devil made me do it. 168 00:09:14,289 --> 00:09:18,329 I think the Devil's not as guilty as we give him credit. 169 00:09:18,329 --> 00:09:23,169 Sometimes that's a good excuse for you to continue in sin. 170 00:09:23,249 --> 00:09:26,939 Well, I have some, you know, I have some problems, but, you know, 171 00:09:26,939 --> 00:09:27,939 everybody does. 172 00:09:28,099 --> 00:09:30,819 That's an excuse to continue in your problems. 173 00:09:31,459 --> 00:09:34,339 Now, what I'm saying is the first generation ought to be the 174 00:09:34,339 --> 00:09:34,899 generation. 175 00:09:35,379 --> 00:09:36,219 Write this down. 176 00:09:36,219 --> 00:09:39,779 The generation that fights the good fight of faith. 177 00:09:41,379 --> 00:09:43,859 You are stable, you are mature. 178 00:09:43,859 --> 00:09:46,659 You are constantly abiding in the Lord. 179 00:09:46,659 --> 00:09:49,179 You are wanting to do what's right. 180 00:09:49,179 --> 00:09:50,499 And you're going to fight. 181 00:09:51,089 --> 00:09:55,649 You're going to fight for the right that God has given to you. 182 00:09:55,809 --> 00:09:58,449 He's given you an opportunity to take a stand. 183 00:09:58,449 --> 00:10:03,249 My dad was a real fighter of the gospel and of the work of God. 184 00:10:03,249 --> 00:10:08,169 He loved the ministry, and he started five churches and raised 185 00:10:08,169 --> 00:10:11,009 five boys and started five Christian schools. 186 00:10:11,089 --> 00:10:12,529 He was into it. 187 00:10:12,529 --> 00:10:13,489 He loved it. 188 00:10:13,809 --> 00:10:18,289 My mom and dad never gave me a reason to not want to serve the Lord. 189 00:10:20,139 --> 00:10:22,219 I came up with my own reasons. 190 00:10:25,979 --> 00:10:29,099 But my parents, they were amazing. 191 00:10:31,019 --> 00:10:34,219 They showed us how to live the Christian life. 192 00:10:35,819 --> 00:10:43,579 And yet sometimes the first generation creates the second generation 193 00:10:43,739 --> 00:10:48,159 that is not quite as interested in the things of God as 194 00:10:48,159 --> 00:10:54,559 they are in every generation that takes the good fight of faith 195 00:10:54,559 --> 00:10:55,199 seriously. 196 00:10:55,199 --> 00:10:56,279 Take David, for instance. 197 00:10:56,279 --> 00:10:59,479 Is there not a cause when he had to deal with Goliath? 198 00:10:59,799 --> 00:11:00,919 Remember Joshua? 199 00:11:00,919 --> 00:11:04,959 As for me and my house, we will what we will serve the Lord. 200 00:11:04,959 --> 00:11:05,879 How about Esther? 201 00:11:06,679 --> 00:11:10,359 She went before the king and she said, if I perish, I perish. 202 00:11:10,679 --> 00:11:14,269 I'm willing to die for my people, the Jews. 203 00:11:15,629 --> 00:11:16,989 And she was victorious. 204 00:11:17,789 --> 00:11:21,309 Elijah, how long hold ye between two opinions? 205 00:11:21,869 --> 00:11:23,869 If God be God, serve him. 206 00:11:25,069 --> 00:11:26,989 If BAAL be God, serve baal. 207 00:11:27,389 --> 00:11:30,989 But make a decision to take a stand for God. 208 00:11:31,789 --> 00:11:32,829 That's what we need. 209 00:11:33,949 --> 00:11:38,829 We don't need wimpy Christians always trying to get away with stuff, 210 00:11:39,879 --> 00:11:44,279 always trying to cut corners, always trying to, you know, live 211 00:11:44,279 --> 00:11:45,239 on the edge. 212 00:11:45,639 --> 00:11:47,399 People that live on the edge fall. 213 00:11:48,839 --> 00:11:54,279 Many fall better than I have fallen, better than you have fallen. 214 00:11:55,079 --> 00:11:58,199 And I'll tell you, it's scary when I see somebody mess up their 215 00:11:58,199 --> 00:11:58,439 life. 216 00:11:58,439 --> 00:12:01,559 It's heartbreaking because that could have been me. 217 00:12:03,559 --> 00:12:06,319 Don't try to please the world because you try to please the world 218 00:12:06,319 --> 00:12:07,559 or try to please yourself. 219 00:12:08,469 --> 00:12:14,869 You have forgotten God and you won't do well forgetting God. 220 00:12:15,589 --> 00:12:16,949 I think of Naboth. 221 00:12:17,509 --> 00:12:22,869 Remember Ahab wanted his gardens, his vineyards. 222 00:12:23,349 --> 00:12:25,509 You know what Naboth said to that king? 223 00:12:26,549 --> 00:12:31,109 The Lord forbidden me that I should give the inheritance of my 224 00:12:31,189 --> 00:12:33,429 father unto thee. 225 00:12:34,569 --> 00:12:39,129 And so his wife Jezebel had him killed. 226 00:12:40,569 --> 00:12:43,769 How's that got to go to heaven early. 227 00:12:44,729 --> 00:12:46,409 But he was a man of conviction. 228 00:12:46,889 --> 00:12:49,369 Would you be willing to die for your faith? 229 00:12:52,169 --> 00:12:53,529 Many missionaries have. 230 00:12:53,689 --> 00:12:58,089 In Nigeria right now, churches are being burned, pastors are being 231 00:12:58,089 --> 00:13:00,649 murdered, and church people are being murdered. 232 00:13:02,619 --> 00:13:05,259 It's unbelievable the persecution going on in this country. 233 00:13:05,339 --> 00:13:06,299 Even in this country. 234 00:13:08,059 --> 00:13:12,779 Nehemiah wept sore and mourned and fasted and prayed when he heard 235 00:13:12,779 --> 00:13:14,179 of the condition of Jerusalem. 236 00:13:14,179 --> 00:13:15,179 And what did he do? 237 00:13:15,659 --> 00:13:17,419 He went and made a difference. 238 00:13:17,979 --> 00:13:20,699 And there were people that gathered around him and much was 239 00:13:20,699 --> 00:13:21,299 accomplished. 240 00:13:21,299 --> 00:13:25,539 And the city was rebuilt, the walls and the gates and the temple 241 00:13:25,539 --> 00:13:26,459 was used again. 242 00:13:26,459 --> 00:13:26,859 And. 243 00:13:27,199 --> 00:13:29,599 And God was glorified in it all. 244 00:13:30,399 --> 00:13:31,839 But it cost him something. 245 00:13:32,639 --> 00:13:34,959 That's what the good fight of faith is all about. 246 00:13:34,959 --> 00:13:35,999 Gideon as well. 247 00:13:36,799 --> 00:13:41,559 The sword of the Lord and of Gideon and boy, with 300, God wiped 248 00:13:41,559 --> 00:13:42,479 out the enemy. 249 00:13:43,038 --> 00:13:44,679 The multitudes were wiped out. 250 00:13:44,679 --> 00:13:45,759 I could go on and on. 251 00:13:45,759 --> 00:13:49,359 Number two, let's talk for a few moments about the second generation. 252 00:13:50,079 --> 00:13:54,769 The second generation, they don't fight the good fight of faith. 253 00:13:54,769 --> 00:13:59,209 They enjoy the spoil of what the first generation gave them. 254 00:13:59,849 --> 00:14:03,289 Now, you children, I saw some kids running around tonight before 255 00:14:03,369 --> 00:14:06,089 service, and, man, they were having a good old time. 256 00:14:07,209 --> 00:14:12,409 Everywhere you were walking and climbing stairs and walking downstairs 257 00:14:12,809 --> 00:14:16,929 or maybe running downstairs, somebody built those for you and 258 00:14:16,929 --> 00:14:18,629 you didn't have to pay a penny for it. 259 00:14:21,179 --> 00:14:23,179 They're the ones that paved the way. 260 00:14:23,499 --> 00:14:28,339 The older folks in the church sacrificed and gave their money and 261 00:14:28,339 --> 00:14:32,219 gave their time and gave their energy so that you could enjoy it. 262 00:14:32,299 --> 00:14:37,019 In fact, with Abraham and Isaac, Abraham dug the wells and 263 00:14:37,019 --> 00:14:41,099 Isaac enjoyed what dad had put together for him. 264 00:14:41,499 --> 00:14:45,659 I'm just saying, anybody that's coming along, somebody before 265 00:14:45,739 --> 00:14:51,569 you has paved the way and you're walking on it, and you don't 266 00:14:51,569 --> 00:14:56,049 even realize what has been sacrificed for you. 267 00:14:57,489 --> 00:15:03,249 And then just a few years, just a few years from now, 10 years, 268 00:15:03,489 --> 00:15:07,409 15 years, some of you will be leaders in this church. 269 00:15:10,049 --> 00:15:11,009 It's pretty amazing. 270 00:15:11,009 --> 00:15:14,329 Pastor was talking to me about that today and how some of you that 271 00:15:14,329 --> 00:15:18,199 are now in leadership here were just little kids. 272 00:15:18,839 --> 00:15:23,079 It's just amazing, isn't it, how quickly the years go by. 273 00:15:23,079 --> 00:15:28,399 And all of a sudden those kids began to mature and started realizing 274 00:15:28,399 --> 00:15:29,719 what they had in the Lord. 275 00:15:30,599 --> 00:15:34,439 And instead of just enjoying the spoil, they said, you know what? 276 00:15:34,679 --> 00:15:35,879 I want to keep going. 277 00:15:35,959 --> 00:15:41,919 What my parents and what my grandparents started, I want to make 278 00:15:41,919 --> 00:15:42,439 an investment. 279 00:15:43,079 --> 00:15:45,719 I want to see this ministry do greater things. 280 00:15:46,919 --> 00:15:50,839 And I believe that anyone that believes God is able to do exceeding 281 00:15:50,839 --> 00:15:56,279 abundantly, above all that we could ask or think, get ready, because 282 00:15:56,279 --> 00:15:57,319 God's going to do it. 283 00:15:58,119 --> 00:16:02,679 God's looking for people that are willing to sacrifice and give 284 00:16:02,679 --> 00:16:03,479 of themselves. 285 00:16:03,879 --> 00:16:09,519 Not just skate through life with no care, but working and laboring 286 00:16:09,519 --> 00:16:12,279 and encouraging and helping the next generation. 287 00:16:13,189 --> 00:16:19,909 I've gotten so old now that there are kids that I preached to 288 00:16:19,909 --> 00:16:28,908 in camp 30 years ago, 40 years ago, and I told them, call me in 289 00:16:28,908 --> 00:16:31,429 10 years and tell me you're living for Jesus. 290 00:16:32,229 --> 00:16:38,469 And I'd have them sign a piece of paper, and sure enough, they started 291 00:16:38,469 --> 00:16:39,269 calling me. 292 00:16:39,349 --> 00:16:43,209 One girl called me just a couple years ago and she said, brother 293 00:16:43,209 --> 00:16:46,849 Knickerbocker, I know you don't remember me, but I was at Galilean 294 00:16:46,849 --> 00:16:52,409 Baptist Camp and you told me to call you in 10 years, and I'm 295 00:16:52,409 --> 00:16:55,369 calling you right now to tell you that I'm graduating from New 296 00:16:55,369 --> 00:16:58,929 England Baptist College and I am going to be a missionary. 297 00:16:59,489 --> 00:17:01,969 What a blessing to see things like that. 298 00:17:01,969 --> 00:17:05,089 I could go on and on and tell you stories of some that didn't make 299 00:17:05,089 --> 00:17:05,409 it. 300 00:17:06,929 --> 00:17:10,889 I called one girl, I called her Because I told all the kids, 301 00:17:10,889 --> 00:17:12,529 I'm going to hunt you down in 10 years. 302 00:17:13,319 --> 00:17:16,227 And that was in 1990 and 2000. 303 00:17:16,411 --> 00:17:19,079 2000, January 1st. 304 00:17:19,079 --> 00:17:21,639 I got on the phone, I hunted these kids down. 305 00:17:21,639 --> 00:17:25,199 I turned into a police officer for a little while, and I hunted 306 00:17:25,199 --> 00:17:25,719 them down. 307 00:17:25,879 --> 00:17:29,639 And I thought, you know, that Amy, she was such a blessing. 308 00:17:29,639 --> 00:17:31,079 I said, I'm gonna call her first. 309 00:17:31,719 --> 00:17:34,279 And I called, and she answered. 310 00:17:34,279 --> 00:17:36,679 She goes, hello, Pastor Knickerbocker. 311 00:17:37,079 --> 00:17:38,519 I've been waiting your call. 312 00:17:41,199 --> 00:17:42,039 I said, tell me. 313 00:17:42,039 --> 00:17:44,479 She goes, you want me to tell you what I wrote on that paper? 314 00:17:44,639 --> 00:17:45,999 I said, yes, tell me. 315 00:17:46,879 --> 00:17:48,879 She said that I would be a missionary. 316 00:17:51,119 --> 00:17:52,079 I said, are you? 317 00:17:52,239 --> 00:17:53,199 She said, no. 318 00:17:53,919 --> 00:17:55,039 I met this guy. 319 00:17:55,279 --> 00:17:59,039 I got all infatuated with him, and we ended up. 320 00:17:59,039 --> 00:18:00,959 I got pregnant out of wedlock. 321 00:18:00,959 --> 00:18:02,719 We have three children now. 322 00:18:04,729 --> 00:18:06,169 I'm not even going to church. 323 00:18:06,649 --> 00:18:10,889 My husband won't get married, and we're miserable. 324 00:18:12,489 --> 00:18:14,249 See what happens when you make a wrong decision? 325 00:18:16,729 --> 00:18:18,409 Don't ever let that happen to you. 326 00:18:19,609 --> 00:18:24,409 Never give the devil any room to work, because it can happen just 327 00:18:24,409 --> 00:18:24,969 like that. 328 00:18:26,009 --> 00:18:27,689 I had a principal one time. 329 00:18:28,009 --> 00:18:32,129 He was a single guy, and this lady with her kids came to the church, 330 00:18:32,129 --> 00:18:34,909 and she was great, gorgeous boy. 331 00:18:34,909 --> 00:18:40,429 He flipped head over heels over her, and she wanted to move 332 00:18:40,429 --> 00:18:43,669 down, down out of New York, down to Tennessee. 333 00:18:43,669 --> 00:18:44,429 And so he. 334 00:18:44,909 --> 00:18:46,069 He quit his job. 335 00:18:46,069 --> 00:18:46,709 I mean, right? 336 00:18:46,709 --> 00:18:47,029 Just. 337 00:18:47,029 --> 00:18:49,069 Just a few months before graduation. 338 00:18:49,389 --> 00:18:51,189 And he was taking her there. 339 00:18:51,189 --> 00:18:55,989 And I said, you have been duped by this woman, boy. 340 00:18:55,989 --> 00:18:56,829 He didn't like that. 341 00:18:57,469 --> 00:19:00,549 Well, as soon as he did all the moving and got her where she 342 00:19:00,549 --> 00:19:02,429 was comfortable, she dumped him. 343 00:19:04,209 --> 00:19:08,889 But thank God, he married another lady that was on fire for 344 00:19:08,889 --> 00:19:09,129 God. 345 00:19:09,129 --> 00:19:10,449 And they're doing great today. 346 00:19:10,929 --> 00:19:14,769 I'm just simply saying that you've got to be careful about just 347 00:19:15,089 --> 00:19:19,929 leaning back and enjoying the spoil, because it's dangerous when 348 00:19:19,929 --> 00:19:21,249 you start compromising. 349 00:19:21,569 --> 00:19:25,289 I'll never forget, I was pastoring just a few years, and my 350 00:19:25,289 --> 00:19:28,689 dad and I were talking about compromising preachers. 351 00:19:30,769 --> 00:19:36,609 And he was telling me, pastor, so and so he's not doing right. 352 00:19:37,329 --> 00:19:42,129 I said, yeah, dad, but look at all the people that he has and how 353 00:19:42,129 --> 00:19:46,049 big the ministry is, and it can't be all that bad. 354 00:19:49,649 --> 00:19:52,569 So my mom and dad went back to Florida, and Dad called me. 355 00:19:52,569 --> 00:19:57,609 He said, your mother and I had a long talk going home, and we've 356 00:19:57,609 --> 00:20:00,729 decided if you don't get straightened out about what you're 357 00:20:00,729 --> 00:20:03,529 saying and justifying compromising preachers, I don't think 358 00:20:03,529 --> 00:20:04,849 we can fellowship with you. 359 00:20:07,329 --> 00:20:11,009 What I said, are you kidding? 360 00:20:11,009 --> 00:20:12,529 He goes, no, I'm dead serious. 361 00:20:13,249 --> 00:20:15,729 I said, I'll look into it and I'll get back to you. 362 00:20:16,129 --> 00:20:19,129 Well, man, I did an investigation on that preacher, and 363 00:20:19,129 --> 00:20:21,729 I found out there was a lot more than my dad ever knew. 364 00:20:23,259 --> 00:20:27,259 I called him up and said, dad, I am sorry that I justified that 365 00:20:27,259 --> 00:20:28,619 compromising preacher. 366 00:20:28,699 --> 00:20:32,619 I didn't know he was as bad as he was, and I will never. 367 00:20:33,659 --> 00:20:38,139 I said, never will I justify another compromising preacher. 368 00:20:38,379 --> 00:20:39,499 He said, amen, son. 369 00:20:39,499 --> 00:20:40,539 I can't wait to see you. 370 00:20:42,139 --> 00:20:43,779 Isn't that something you say? 371 00:20:43,779 --> 00:20:47,899 Well, probably my kids just wouldn't want to see me anymore. 372 00:20:48,399 --> 00:20:48,959 Hold it. 373 00:20:49,839 --> 00:20:55,039 When somebody gives you an ultimatum, that has to do with godliness 374 00:20:55,039 --> 00:20:57,599 and holiness and not compromise. 375 00:20:57,679 --> 00:21:00,959 I'd be a fool not to look into that and get that straightened out. 376 00:21:00,959 --> 00:21:01,519 Amen. 377 00:21:02,479 --> 00:21:07,199 Okay, let's go forward to where my dad is now a twilight preacher, 378 00:21:07,199 --> 00:21:11,279 retired, and he's struggling with his health. 379 00:21:12,959 --> 00:21:15,119 We went to see him, and he was. 380 00:21:15,429 --> 00:21:18,709 He told me, you know, Dan, those preachers that I. I got to 381 00:21:18,709 --> 00:21:23,349 take my churches, you know, I wonder if one of them's even saved. 382 00:21:24,229 --> 00:21:25,189 I said, well, you. 383 00:21:25,349 --> 00:21:27,829 You recommended all of them to take your church. 384 00:21:28,309 --> 00:21:30,589 I know, but I don't know. 385 00:21:30,589 --> 00:21:33,989 I think he's compromising and like this. 386 00:21:33,989 --> 00:21:37,949 And every time I saw him, he kept on talking about it, and I, 387 00:21:37,949 --> 00:21:42,399 I, I. I said, boy, Dad. 388 00:21:42,799 --> 00:21:44,719 I said, dad, you're bitter. 389 00:21:45,359 --> 00:21:47,039 He said, I'm not bitter. 390 00:21:47,439 --> 00:21:49,599 I'm righteously indignant. 391 00:21:50,879 --> 00:21:52,719 I said, no, dad, you're bitter. 392 00:21:53,439 --> 00:21:55,999 And not only that, but you're not even getting your prayers heard, 393 00:21:55,999 --> 00:21:57,439 let alone getting them answered. 394 00:21:58,799 --> 00:22:00,719 Well, whoo. 395 00:22:01,119 --> 00:22:02,919 He was not happy with that. 396 00:22:02,919 --> 00:22:05,519 He called my brother over in France. 397 00:22:06,079 --> 00:22:07,999 He said, did you hear what Dan said to me? 398 00:22:08,399 --> 00:22:08,919 He said, no. 399 00:22:08,919 --> 00:22:09,519 What did he say? 400 00:22:09,519 --> 00:22:13,119 He said that I was bitter that God was not answering my prayers 401 00:22:13,199 --> 00:22:16,959 because I criticized these preachers that I put into my churches. 402 00:22:17,679 --> 00:22:20,239 He said, I wanted to tell you that, but I didn't dare. 403 00:22:23,119 --> 00:22:24,198 And you know what happened? 404 00:22:24,198 --> 00:22:30,439 My dad got alone with the Lord and he confessed that, and he got 405 00:22:30,439 --> 00:22:31,599 it taken care of. 406 00:22:31,999 --> 00:22:35,279 Next time I saw him, he never mentioned anything about that. 407 00:22:36,039 --> 00:22:40,519 You see, what happens is we have to be careful, because one bad 408 00:22:40,519 --> 00:22:44,039 moment can set us off in the wrong direction. 409 00:22:45,079 --> 00:22:46,519 Don't let it happen to you. 410 00:22:46,759 --> 00:22:47,679 Don't let it happen. 411 00:22:47,679 --> 00:22:49,959 Don't let anybody influence you to do wrong. 412 00:22:49,959 --> 00:22:54,999 Your peers, your friends, your buddies, people you may have grown 413 00:22:54,999 --> 00:22:57,319 up with that are not where they should be. 414 00:22:57,319 --> 00:22:59,559 They're not where they used to be with God. 415 00:22:59,959 --> 00:23:02,359 Some of them are not even going to church anymore. 416 00:23:02,619 --> 00:23:05,379 And you're going to listen to them and you're going to take advice 417 00:23:05,379 --> 00:23:05,899 from them? 418 00:23:05,899 --> 00:23:07,259 I don't think so. 419 00:23:08,619 --> 00:23:08,979 No. 420 00:23:08,979 --> 00:23:13,179 We're to be the leaders of fighting the good fight of faith, 421 00:23:13,179 --> 00:23:14,859 not just enjoying the spoil. 422 00:23:15,419 --> 00:23:18,299 Are we lovers of pleasure more than we're lovers of God? 423 00:23:18,859 --> 00:23:19,579 Are we ever. 424 00:23:19,659 --> 00:23:24,299 Do we have a form of godliness and deny the power thereof? 425 00:23:24,539 --> 00:23:28,099 Are we ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of 426 00:23:28,099 --> 00:23:28,619 the truth? 427 00:23:30,439 --> 00:23:31,719 That happens to us. 428 00:23:32,359 --> 00:23:40,239 Good people can go bad because they give the devil a little bit 429 00:23:40,239 --> 00:23:41,159 of room to work. 430 00:23:41,799 --> 00:23:45,879 And I'll tell you, he can make havoc of your marriage, he can make 431 00:23:45,879 --> 00:23:49,799 havoc of your family, he can destroy churches. 432 00:23:51,639 --> 00:23:54,759 Pastor, we know there's so many churches without pastors now. 433 00:23:55,239 --> 00:23:59,239 What's happening is the next generation not responding to, say, 434 00:23:59,319 --> 00:24:01,239 God wants me to be a preacher. 435 00:24:02,679 --> 00:24:07,359 I'm praying God give us laborers for his harvest. 436 00:24:07,359 --> 00:24:09,319 There's a great harvest right now. 437 00:24:09,399 --> 00:24:14,679 Think of all the areas around us that need a Bible believing church. 438 00:24:15,479 --> 00:24:16,599 Who's going to do it? 439 00:24:18,279 --> 00:24:20,679 You can do it. 440 00:24:21,929 --> 00:24:22,809 You can do it. 441 00:24:23,449 --> 00:24:25,929 And oh, I pray that God will call some of you. 442 00:24:26,969 --> 00:24:30,609 Maybe you know God's calling you, but you're putting, you're putting 443 00:24:30,609 --> 00:24:31,449 the brakes on. 444 00:24:35,929 --> 00:24:40,969 If you don't think you can do it, praise the Lord, because you 445 00:24:40,969 --> 00:24:41,449 can't. 446 00:24:43,289 --> 00:24:47,289 But oh, when you surrender and say, lord, if you want me to, I will 447 00:24:47,769 --> 00:24:48,649 mark it down. 448 00:24:48,649 --> 00:24:53,019 God will give you everything you need to accomplish any, anything 449 00:24:53,019 --> 00:24:53,619 you need. 450 00:24:54,099 --> 00:24:58,499 When it comes to God's work, you never, you can never outgive 451 00:24:58,499 --> 00:24:58,979 God. 452 00:25:00,259 --> 00:25:03,739 I'm amazed how God has taken care of us over the years and the 453 00:25:03,739 --> 00:25:06,179 thrill of serving him, it increases. 454 00:25:06,499 --> 00:25:07,859 I don't even want to quit. 455 00:25:09,139 --> 00:25:11,939 I was talking to one preacher, said, as soon as I turn, turn 63, 456 00:25:11,939 --> 00:25:13,619 I'm, I'm retiring. 457 00:25:14,259 --> 00:25:15,779 I'm going to be done with the ministry. 458 00:25:20,589 --> 00:25:21,629 I held my tongue. 459 00:25:24,269 --> 00:25:25,709 It's not just a job. 460 00:25:29,469 --> 00:25:35,109 It's a ministry that God chooses from his local New Testament 461 00:25:35,109 --> 00:25:39,629 church to say, I'll go. 462 00:25:41,789 --> 00:25:45,869 I had one of the men say, I know your nephew Stephen and Julia. 463 00:25:46,509 --> 00:25:48,109 They're in a very difficult place. 464 00:25:49,069 --> 00:25:51,029 There's been a lot of deaths there. 465 00:25:51,029 --> 00:25:57,589 In West Africa, where he is in Burkina Faso, a couple times he had 466 00:25:57,589 --> 00:25:58,269 to come home. 467 00:25:59,709 --> 00:26:02,429 The government said all the missionaries got to come home. 468 00:26:04,909 --> 00:26:07,229 But as soon as he was able to go back, he went back. 469 00:26:08,989 --> 00:26:13,319 He's starting churches, leading people to Christ, baptizing 470 00:26:13,319 --> 00:26:13,639 them. 471 00:26:14,199 --> 00:26:15,559 He started his second church. 472 00:26:15,559 --> 00:26:16,999 I think he's getting ready to do his third. 473 00:26:16,999 --> 00:26:18,359 If I'm not mistaken. 474 00:26:19,959 --> 00:26:23,399 What I'm saying is he's living by faith and trusting God. 475 00:26:24,679 --> 00:26:30,879 Where is the desire to launch out into an adventure where God leads 476 00:26:30,879 --> 00:26:31,159 you? 477 00:26:31,719 --> 00:26:32,839 There's nothing like it. 478 00:26:33,879 --> 00:26:38,119 Pray and ask God, Lord, if you want me to serve you, I'm willing. 479 00:26:39,299 --> 00:26:40,979 That's all you have to do is be willing. 480 00:26:42,339 --> 00:26:43,619 Talk to your preacher. 481 00:26:43,619 --> 00:26:45,059 Go get with him, man. 482 00:26:45,059 --> 00:26:49,459 He'd love to sit down with you and talk to you about that and encourage 483 00:26:49,459 --> 00:26:50,579 you and help you. 484 00:26:52,099 --> 00:26:56,019 That's what his ministry is, training the next generation. 485 00:26:56,739 --> 00:26:58,019 Oh, I love it, don't you? 486 00:26:59,139 --> 00:27:00,459 So many enjoy the spoil. 487 00:27:00,459 --> 00:27:06,099 But then number three, what happens with those that just enjoy 488 00:27:06,099 --> 00:27:06,859 the spoil? 489 00:27:06,859 --> 00:27:09,909 They end up getting to the place where they. 490 00:27:10,069 --> 00:27:13,869 Number three, they're the generation that sells out to the 491 00:27:13,869 --> 00:27:14,389 enemy. 492 00:27:16,869 --> 00:27:18,869 Well, I'm not going to church anymore. 493 00:27:19,829 --> 00:27:22,749 I mean, I know all the Bible stories and all the church wants 494 00:27:22,749 --> 00:27:23,829 is money anyway. 495 00:27:26,149 --> 00:27:28,589 And, you know, a lot of my friends don't go and I look like 496 00:27:28,589 --> 00:27:33,029 an idiot, you know, going to church Sunday morning, going to go 497 00:27:33,029 --> 00:27:33,429 to church. 498 00:27:33,429 --> 00:27:34,389 Sunday school, too. 499 00:27:34,549 --> 00:27:36,509 Sunday night, Wednesday night. 500 00:27:36,509 --> 00:27:38,949 What are you, a religious fanatic or something? 501 00:27:39,899 --> 00:27:42,059 We can't even take a stand for Christ anymore. 502 00:27:42,059 --> 00:27:42,619 Hardly. 503 00:27:44,939 --> 00:27:49,699 I mean, you know, we go to church when it's convenient instead 504 00:27:49,699 --> 00:27:51,099 of going out of conviction. 505 00:27:52,539 --> 00:27:53,339 What would happen? 506 00:27:54,459 --> 00:27:56,699 What happens to a church that dies? 507 00:27:59,179 --> 00:28:01,579 It's a church that loses its vision. 508 00:28:03,179 --> 00:28:05,099 It says, I don't want to do that anymore. 509 00:28:06,509 --> 00:28:08,989 Have you ever experienced God using you? 510 00:28:12,189 --> 00:28:15,549 What have you done that God's done through you? 511 00:28:17,149 --> 00:28:18,029 What fruit? 512 00:28:18,749 --> 00:28:21,709 What fruit do we have as Christians? 513 00:28:22,269 --> 00:28:23,949 Have you ever had an answered prayer? 514 00:28:25,149 --> 00:28:27,869 Have you ever had the privilege of leading someone to Jesus 515 00:28:27,869 --> 00:28:28,189 Christ? 516 00:28:29,309 --> 00:28:32,269 Have you seen them follow the Lord in baptismal waters? 517 00:28:33,929 --> 00:28:36,889 Have you seen families come and join and start serving? 518 00:28:37,929 --> 00:28:42,969 There's nothing that thrills a couple when God used them to bring 519 00:28:42,969 --> 00:28:45,929 somebody to the Lord. 520 00:28:46,489 --> 00:28:51,689 And oh, I would beg you to ask God to make it happen for you. 521 00:28:52,649 --> 00:28:54,249 Don't sell out to the enemy. 522 00:28:55,129 --> 00:28:55,849 Don't do it. 523 00:28:57,529 --> 00:29:00,529 You know, the Bible says, the thief cometh not, but to steal, to 524 00:29:00,529 --> 00:29:01,369 kill, and to destroy. 525 00:29:01,369 --> 00:29:02,809 But I want you to hear the last part. 526 00:29:04,309 --> 00:29:08,709 Jesus Christ said, but I am come, that ye might have life. 527 00:29:09,989 --> 00:29:15,109 I believe that's eternal life and that you might have an abundant 528 00:29:15,349 --> 00:29:20,069 life, a life of overflowing blessings. 529 00:29:20,789 --> 00:29:21,829 That's what we need. 530 00:29:22,309 --> 00:29:24,069 Every family needs that. 531 00:29:25,429 --> 00:29:30,309 If they say that the church is only as strong as its families are, 532 00:29:31,469 --> 00:29:32,349 what does that tell you? 533 00:29:34,189 --> 00:29:35,309 What does it tell you? 534 00:29:36,109 --> 00:29:37,349 Could we be stronger? 535 00:29:37,349 --> 00:29:38,589 Could we be more faithful? 536 00:29:38,989 --> 00:29:41,429 Could we give more could we labor more? 537 00:29:41,429 --> 00:29:43,549 Could we give more of our time and our energy? 538 00:29:43,789 --> 00:29:44,349 Could we. 539 00:29:44,429 --> 00:29:47,589 Could we get involved to the point where our kids are getting 540 00:29:47,589 --> 00:29:49,309 to enjoy the ministry, too? 541 00:29:50,509 --> 00:29:53,069 Oh, when kids get on fire for God, boy, they. 542 00:29:53,229 --> 00:29:53,709 It's. 543 00:29:53,709 --> 00:29:54,509 It's thrilling. 544 00:29:54,509 --> 00:29:59,279 It's thrilling because parents are just in tears of joy knowing 545 00:29:59,679 --> 00:30:01,519 that God is using my kids. 546 00:30:02,479 --> 00:30:03,679 That's such an honor. 547 00:30:04,239 --> 00:30:08,319 My dad was never one to pass out compliments to his sons. 548 00:30:09,199 --> 00:30:10,279 He was pretty tough. 549 00:30:10,279 --> 00:30:11,839 My mother was so sweet. 550 00:30:13,038 --> 00:30:16,719 And just a few years before my mother was killed in an automobile 551 00:30:16,719 --> 00:30:20,679 accident, she said to me, dan, she said, and dad wasn't there. 552 00:30:20,679 --> 00:30:20,959 Of course. 553 00:30:20,959 --> 00:30:22,769 He was out to the car, getting car packed. 554 00:30:23,239 --> 00:30:24,759 She goes, dan, I wanted to tell you this. 555 00:30:24,839 --> 00:30:31,319 And I wanted to tell you this without dad knowing, but he brags 556 00:30:31,319 --> 00:30:35,599 on you a lot, and he is thrilled over what you're accomplishing 557 00:30:35,599 --> 00:30:36,439 for the Lord. 558 00:30:37,079 --> 00:30:39,158 And he tells people about it a lot. 559 00:30:40,119 --> 00:30:45,199 And he said, but he would never to your face say something 560 00:30:45,199 --> 00:30:48,839 like that to you, but he really appreciates what you're doing. 561 00:30:48,999 --> 00:30:55,179 I said, mom, you just said what I'd been longing to hear, that 562 00:30:55,179 --> 00:30:58,899 my dad is thrilled about what I'm doing. 563 00:30:59,779 --> 00:31:03,539 I had a man come up to me one Sunday in a church I was in. 564 00:31:04,419 --> 00:31:05,819 He said, brother Knickerbocker. 565 00:31:05,819 --> 00:31:08,819 He said, I don't really think I want my kids to go into the ministry. 566 00:31:10,099 --> 00:31:10,979 I said, why? 567 00:31:12,179 --> 00:31:13,459 There's no money in it. 568 00:31:17,229 --> 00:31:20,909 I was like, oh, Lord, what do I say to him? 569 00:31:23,709 --> 00:31:26,149 I thought for a brief moment as he's standing there. 570 00:31:26,149 --> 00:31:31,629 I said, well, would you rather your child work for God or work for 571 00:31:31,629 --> 00:31:33,709 an ungodly employer? 572 00:31:35,629 --> 00:31:37,069 And he just walked away. 573 00:31:41,959 --> 00:31:42,919 How do you answer that? 574 00:31:44,679 --> 00:31:51,319 If God before you, who can be against you, my God shall supply 575 00:31:51,399 --> 00:31:54,919 all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus, 576 00:31:56,759 --> 00:32:00,279 God is not a cheapskate like some of us are. 577 00:32:02,439 --> 00:32:03,719 He meets every need. 578 00:32:05,319 --> 00:32:07,639 I could tell you stories about it, but I don't have time. 579 00:32:08,549 --> 00:32:13,189 I just want you to remember, fight the good fight of faith. 580 00:32:13,189 --> 00:32:14,549 Let's pray together, may we? 581 00:32:15,909 --> 00:32:18,949 While heads are bowed and eyes are closed as the pianist comes and 582 00:32:18,949 --> 00:32:19,909 softly plays.