What Will You Miss Heaven By?
INTRO: What if you were officially guaranteed that you had just won Publishers Clearing House's new sweepstakes? What if they were knocking on your door and had a check that was worth eleven million dollars? Now let's be honest, we all would be excited and almost all of us would find at least a shout or small giggle or two. That would be special would it not?
What if, to win this we just had to sign it and cash it? Before you die! How many of us would want to wait until next week? How may of us would say, I can't cash it yet, I have too much work to do? Or I have to work overtime? Or I am going out with my friends? Or I have a family to raise? Or, just plain, "I will take care of it later, sometime, just don't bother me about it now?"
We have to be honest, it is ludicrous to think any of us would delay. 9:00.01 AM on the next day of business, we would be taking care of business. So if a few measly million dollars are worth taking care of now, WHAT IS YOUR SOUL WORTH?
People put off salvation and run the risk of losing something that money cannot buy, something that is better than anything this world has to offer…ETERNAL LIFE (Joyous).
I want to talk today about the danger of missing what God has for us. The danger in delaying salvation.
Before I start, we need to understand…
If we miss heaven, we miss what God has intended us to accept
If we miss heaven, there is no recourse
If we miss heaven, we face the responsibility (no matter who we blame)
If we miss heaven, we take others with us
Let us get into the message…
Four main things (and the lies) that help prevent us from salvation…
Persuasion of prosperity
Matt. 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
I cannot afford to not work - so I do not have time for Jesus
I cannot afford to give the Lord money
I cannot afford to help the poor and needy
I work hard for my money
I have plans I cannot change them
After I get settled in a better job and nicer home and faster car and sleeker boat and larger TV and newer motor home and ETC.
I have kids to think about (boy that is true - we worry about their physical and financially but neglect the spiritual)
Partaking of pleasure
There is no fun in Christianity
Boys will be boys
It is not really that bad
Everyone does it
God understands - yes He does!
I know I should stop, but I can't
Many simply love, approve and practice sin too much to let go
But God says…
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Power of people and our psyche
Many suffer because of parental influences
Many fear rejection
Many follow poor examples
Many just follow without really examining the cost (herd mentality)
Many trust the wrong crowd
Luke 6: 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Many crumble to the pressure of their peers
Many are too proud to confess/trust
Passing of the present day (time)
Most people, believe in God...
Most people, believe that Jesus was His Son...
Most people, believe that Jesus died on the cross (for them)...
Most people, believe that Jesus rose again and lives yet today...
Most people, intend to do what is right with their life, someday...
Most people, are really good people with good intentions...
Most people, wait until it is too late!!!
Have you ever really stopped and considered the final cost of not receiving God's Gift?
John 3:16 - 21
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Why not accept Christ as your Savior today?
How much are you willing to miss heaven by today?
Just how willing are you to put off salvation?
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 110401am