LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Pastor Mike Bailey
mike@cityunited.church
INTRODUCTION
The book of Revelation is the final challenge given to us by God in the Bible. Throughout all 66 books of Scripture God is tasking us to a more meaningful life - a life filled with purpose, hope, grace, love and more. From the breath of God, through the pen of men, we were given the instruction manual for life. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 there are over 31,100 verses of instruction, warning, redemption and expectation for all those that say they are God-loving, God-fearing, and God-following people. The Scriptures come to a close with this encouraging verse:
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.” —Revelation 22:21
But within this promise of hope we find the final challenge as well. God’s grace and promise of an eternity with Him in Heaven is secured for only “God’s holy people.”
Summer is coming to a close. A new season is beginning. And with a new season comes a natural opportunity to go bigger or get better. The prophet Amos and the Apostle John show us there are two types of people who will shout, “He is coming soon!” One group living for God, and one group that is not. Which group do you sit with?
TEXT: Revelation 22:20; Revelation 3:15-19; Amos 5:18-20
TODAY’S TAKEAWAY: LIVE FOR CHRIST NOW, ENJOY CHRIST LATER.
PICK A CHAIR!
A Challenge in Revelation
I. THE
A. “… Yes, I am coming soon …” - Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:20)
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” —Matthew 24:44 (NLT)
B. Being ready is described in the following verses:
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” —1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
“Therefore, preparing you minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” —1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)
II. THE
A. Left chair - The Believer
“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” —Revelation 22:20 (NLT)
• They will pray to Jesus
• They will read the Bible
• They will share the Gospel
B. Right chair – The Non-believer
• They don’t pray to Jesus
• They don’t read the Bible
• They don’t share the Gospel
C. Center chair – The Middle-Man (Revelation 3:15-19)
• They pray to Jesus when they need something
• They read the Bible when they come to church
• They “share the Gospel” in theory
“What sorrow awaits you who say, ‘If only the day of the LORD were here!’ You have no idea what you are wishing for. That day will bring darkness, not light. In that day you will be like a man who runs from a lion, only to meet a bear. Escaping from the bear, he leans his hand against a wall in his house and is bitten by a snake. Yes, the day of the LORD will be dark and hopeless, without a ray of joy or hope. I hate all your show and pretense, the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.” —Amos 5:18-21 (NLT)
III. THE
A. Left Chair – The Believer
“Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life.” —1 Peter 3:15a (CEV)
B. Right Chair - The Non-Believer
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” —2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)
“He who puts his trust in the Son (Jesus) has life that lasts forever. He who does not put his trust in the Son (Jesus) will not have life…” —John 3:36 (NLV)
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” —John 14:6
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” —Acts 4:12 (ESV)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” —Romans 10:9 (ESV)
C. Center chair – The Middle-Man
CONCLUSION: PICK A CHAIR!
“Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’” —1 Kings 18:21
WILL YOU COMMIT TO LIVE YOUR LIFE IN THE LEFT CHAIR?
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