Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Sermon Notes November 20, 2005: Train Part 3: End of the Road
Note: Posting based on outline notes of pastor. Video available. Ask in comments or contact pastor.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20, John 14:2, Rev. 21:1-5
Last week we talked about our souvenirs to show to God that we have learned and experienced what we need to on our journey. This week, we are going to talk about that journey's end, at the eternal kingdom, the new Jerusalem, the Holy City.
First, we need to ask: Who is gonna get there? One group of people will be the soul winners (Daniel 12:3). These are people who help win souls, who help get people to turn to the path of righteousness away from other paths. Now, we immediately think of people like Billy Graham or Max Lucado, but you and I can be soul winners. We can help win souls to the cause of Christ by living the commandments, by being that reflection of Christ to others, by showing that Christians can have fun and still be faithful, by giving that love to the unclean. We can be the soul winners, as well.
Next, thosw who are humble servants will be there. In order to be a servant, we talked last week, we must be made humble in the eyes of the Lord. We have to realize that anything we do is His, not ours. We are merely the instruments. The sooner we realize this, the more pliable and worthwhile servants we are. You see, by being humble servants, we give Him the glory. These people (ref. Matthew 10:42) will be there in the new Kingdom.
Third, but not in any order, will be the faithful stewards (ref. Matthew 25:23). These are people who take care of the Church and the body of Christ. They are people who use the church and the creation of God for good purposes, but do not plunder. They are not people who take politically correct positions for personal gain or for inflating numbers, but rather are those who take seriously the law of God and seek to kee the church working and on track for the next generation, and for building the resources to get us closer to the kingdom.
Here is the really great news: ALL RANKS AND STATIONS are welcome (ref. Ephesians 6:8). God is the ultimate equal opportunity employer/provider. There are no special set asides, no special consideration, all are equal in the eyes of the Lord. God wants all people there, not just a few. However, the people have to live up to his standards, they have to show evidence of their journey and getting the right souvenirs along the way. They cannot bring any excess baggage or they will be turned aside.
Well, what will this place look like. I will not go into great detail, but check out Rev. 21 and 22 for details. This will be a beautiful city, made up like a bride on her wedding day. Now, I am not married, but I do no that there are no ugly brides. There is just something about blushing brides on their wedding day, something holy, something wonderful. Think about the beautiful dress, with all the preparations, made perfect, down to the exacting detail. God is like that, the perfect wedding planner, more meticulous than the most ambitious mother of the bride. The city will be beautiful, like a bride.
It will have streets with gold, gates of gems, check out that description I referenced above. And, it will be the best of conveniences. There will be a river running down the center, and not that bottled water but the Pure River of Life flowing from the Lamb. It will be the sweetest, most satisfying water ever. And, the fruit of the tree of life will be available to all. We will be provided for like God did to the Israelites in the desert, except we will be outfitted in the finest clothing, the resurrection body, and we will have the ultimate fellowship with God. That is the kicker.
More better than disneyland, world, or universe, this place is worth the train ticket. It is worth the bumpy ride, leaving behind our baggage, and striving to stay on board despite the temptations of other stops in the journey, other detours. It is the most amazing place, and it awaits. We need to get on board and stay on board, and stay the course.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20, John 14:2, Rev. 21:1-5
Last week we talked about our souvenirs to show to God that we have learned and experienced what we need to on our journey. This week, we are going to talk about that journey's end, at the eternal kingdom, the new Jerusalem, the Holy City.
First, we need to ask: Who is gonna get there? One group of people will be the soul winners (Daniel 12:3). These are people who help win souls, who help get people to turn to the path of righteousness away from other paths. Now, we immediately think of people like Billy Graham or Max Lucado, but you and I can be soul winners. We can help win souls to the cause of Christ by living the commandments, by being that reflection of Christ to others, by showing that Christians can have fun and still be faithful, by giving that love to the unclean. We can be the soul winners, as well.
Next, thosw who are humble servants will be there. In order to be a servant, we talked last week, we must be made humble in the eyes of the Lord. We have to realize that anything we do is His, not ours. We are merely the instruments. The sooner we realize this, the more pliable and worthwhile servants we are. You see, by being humble servants, we give Him the glory. These people (ref. Matthew 10:42) will be there in the new Kingdom.
Third, but not in any order, will be the faithful stewards (ref. Matthew 25:23). These are people who take care of the Church and the body of Christ. They are people who use the church and the creation of God for good purposes, but do not plunder. They are not people who take politically correct positions for personal gain or for inflating numbers, but rather are those who take seriously the law of God and seek to kee the church working and on track for the next generation, and for building the resources to get us closer to the kingdom.
Here is the really great news: ALL RANKS AND STATIONS are welcome (ref. Ephesians 6:8). God is the ultimate equal opportunity employer/provider. There are no special set asides, no special consideration, all are equal in the eyes of the Lord. God wants all people there, not just a few. However, the people have to live up to his standards, they have to show evidence of their journey and getting the right souvenirs along the way. They cannot bring any excess baggage or they will be turned aside.
Well, what will this place look like. I will not go into great detail, but check out Rev. 21 and 22 for details. This will be a beautiful city, made up like a bride on her wedding day. Now, I am not married, but I do no that there are no ugly brides. There is just something about blushing brides on their wedding day, something holy, something wonderful. Think about the beautiful dress, with all the preparations, made perfect, down to the exacting detail. God is like that, the perfect wedding planner, more meticulous than the most ambitious mother of the bride. The city will be beautiful, like a bride.
It will have streets with gold, gates of gems, check out that description I referenced above. And, it will be the best of conveniences. There will be a river running down the center, and not that bottled water but the Pure River of Life flowing from the Lamb. It will be the sweetest, most satisfying water ever. And, the fruit of the tree of life will be available to all. We will be provided for like God did to the Israelites in the desert, except we will be outfitted in the finest clothing, the resurrection body, and we will have the ultimate fellowship with God. That is the kicker.
More better than disneyland, world, or universe, this place is worth the train ticket. It is worth the bumpy ride, leaving behind our baggage, and striving to stay on board despite the temptations of other stops in the journey, other detours. It is the most amazing place, and it awaits. We need to get on board and stay on board, and stay the course.
# posted by Mark : 6:09 AM
