When Good Things Become Bad
INTRO: Last week I used the thought, When Good Things Become Great. I dealt with four truths from the early church that made it more than just good, but great. They became a great church or fellowship, because it was important that God's Word was shared. It was also common that God's abundance was shared. Certainly the early church was determined God's love was shared. And they helped change others because they made sure God's relationships were shared by helping Him change others). Truly when we look at the early church, we can see good things became great. God can do that for us in thins day and age.
Today, I want to look at When Good Things Become Bad. I want to look at four different instances found in Luke that shows how things can go bad.
Before I start, understand God wants to bless us. Things do NOT have to go bad, I just want to see they can. God wants what is best for us, God will help us and guide us if we but listen and follow His truths and ways.
First, let us read from Luke 19:12-27. We find, Good Things Become Bad…
If we do nothing - vs. 20, 24
The opportunity is yours - vs.13
The choice is ours - vs. 14
The judgement is yours - vs. 15
The reward is yours - vs. 16-19
The loss is yours - vs.20-24
Next look at Luke 16:19-31. We find, Good Things Become Bad…
If we put off Christ (even with good intentions)
"And it came to pass…" We are all going to die
"And in Hell he lift up his eyes…" - vs. 23 - we will all be judged
"And he cried…" - vs. 24 - We will regret
"And beside all this…" - vs.26 - it will be too late - GTBB
Next, let's look in Luke 12:16-21. We find, Good Things Become Bad…
If we trust in riches
They are not really ours - vs. 16 - they are God's
We need to think in Him, not self - vs. 17
We need to do in Him, not self - vs. 18
We need to say to Him, not self - vs. 19
We need to be ready for Him, not self - vs. 20
We need to lay up treasure for Him, not self - vs. 21
Last, let us look in Luke 15:11-32. We find, Good Things Become Bad…
If run from God
God will let us go our own way - vs. 12
Our way will separate us from Him - vs. 13
Our way will lead to ruin vs. - 14
Our way will try to hold onto us - 15
Our way will bring us down low - vs.- 16
Our way do us harm - vs.17
BUT…
There is an answer…
His way is there for us to go to - vs. 18
His way will restore us vs. 19-20
His way holds forgiveness - vs. 21-24a
His way can change bad things to good - vs. 24b, 32
There is good news about good things going bad - there is an answer and that is Christ!!!
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 080804am