What Are You Thinking About?
Introduction
A Wyoming husband and wife were in the business world together. As their business prospered, they looked forward to a week in Miami for vacation. The wife, due to her business trip to New York was scheduled to come in a day later. Upon arriving, the husband was so excited about the hot weather in Miami that he emailed his wife – however – he made an error in the email address. The message actually arrived at the home of an elderly preacher’s wife, whose husband had died only the day before. When she opened the email, she let out a terrified scream and fell to the floor dead. Her family rushed to her room where they saw this message on the screen: “Dearest wife, departed yesterday, as you know. Just now got checked in. Some confusion at the gate. Appeal was denied. Received confirmation of your arrival tomorrow. Your loving husband. P.S. Things are not as we thought. You are going to be surprised at how hot it is down here!” Can you imagine what she was thinking? What are you thinking about today?
Peter wants to remind Christians to think scripturally in light of the Lord’s Second Coming. He reminds them to saturate their mind with the truth of the Word of God so they will not be deterred one bit by scoffers and skeptics who deny central truths of the Word of God such as creation, the flood, the resurrection, the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sadly, there will always be those around us (even in our churches) who do not have their faith in the Word of God. They make up their own teachings and ideas – because if there is a Creator – they are created – and accountable to Him! The ungodly seem to be prospering, getting away with all sin and unbelief. God’s people are often ridiculed, mocked and tend to lose hope when things don’t seem to be working out as God promised.
During these times, Peter says it’s good to remember! Don’t judge everything simply by your own timetable. Peter says, “A thousand years is as a day to the Lord and a day as a thousand years.” The last 2,000 years = 2 days! Refuse to become discouraged because it seems God is delaying judgment – God is faithful to His promises/will be on time!
I. Are You Thinking of the Lord’s Creation?
A. The Beginning of God’s Creation
(Gen. 1:1, Colossians 1:15-16) "By the word of the Lord(Elohim) the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6). "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3)
On Christmas Eve, 1968, the three astronauts of Apollo 8 circled the dark side of the moon and headed for home. As their tiny capsule floated through space, they gazed on planet earth…As billions of people all around the world listened, an astronaut acknowledged Elohim as Creator as he read these words: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (R. Pritchard).
B. The Blessing of God’s Creation
(Show slides of God’s beautiful creation)
C. The Banishing of God’s Creation
Global Warming Verse of the Day: 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (1st earth– flood – 2nd – fire – 3rd – forever!)
II. Are You Thinking of the Lord’s Compassion?
A. The Sovereign God’s Care
Many times we get caught up in sin – sin makes a wreck of our lives, just as God promised – but we then blame God for being unloving. (Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual immorality; selfish, impatience, unforgiving, critical spirit, gossip)
Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? Says the Lord God, “and not that he should turf from his ways and live?”
God is loving, merciful, caring, forgiving toward each of us. HE is the One who seeks us, sympathizes with us, and alone can save us. In spite of our sin, going our own way, God cares for each of us. In love, He gives us food, breath, happiness, friendships, choices.
If we choose to deny Him – He will let us reap the consequences – but He’s going to do everything possible to draw us to Himself.
B. The Son of God’s Cross
1. Peace is God’s Promise
Peace is God’s promise to all believers – “…justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1 (Justified- “Just as if I never sinned: Just as if I always obeyed!”)
2. Peace is our Position in Christ
“…having made peace through the blood of the cross.” Col. 1:20 (Quote: No Jesus, no peace…Know Jesus, know peace)
3. Peace is for our problems
Henry Blackaby’s daughter was infected with cancer at the age of 16. He did not understand why God was allowing this. “Henry, where was it that I told you I loved you, and loved you forever?” “Well, Lord, it was at the cross.” Then He said, “Then place your daughter in front of the cross, so you’ll never be disoriented to My love. The love I demonstrated on the cross will never change, so place your daughter there. Understand right now that the cross and My love was for such a time as this.”
What do we possess right now because of our Savior’s sacrifice?
Rescue - Redemption - Reconciliation – Relationship – Reasons to rejoice – Responsibility to grow and live for Jesus!
C. The Spirit of God’s Conviction
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment…” John 16:8
Not only does the Holy Spirit convict sinners of their personal need for a Savior. He convicts saints in order to make us more like the Savior!
It’s not fun to watch two of your kids fighting. Some Christians won’t speak to each other, will not forgive each other, and spend years in bitterness and pride. What would happen if we all admitted to God and one another that we all to a point are dysfunctional Christians – and we need the mercy and grace of God each and every day?
Lady got her picture taken and was disgusted with it. She slams it down in front of the photographer and says, “This does not do me justice!” The photographer said, “Ma’am, with a face like yours, you do not need justice, but mercy!”
What is the sure sign the Holy Spirit is at work through the church? Signs? Tongues, slain in spirit? How about signs of Love, Liberty, Lifting others up in Jesus Christ – learning more about the Savior/Scriptures!
How about God’s plan? Souls and discipleship - we are not here to build our Kingdom – but His Kingdom!
D. The Servant of God’s Concern
“The Lord is…longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
1. The Soul winning is to be our Priority
Soul winning is the priority of this church. Teaching, Togetherness, Treasure is important – but souls must be a priority. Testifying of Jesus Christ in worship and witness is important for reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus and seeing souls saved. Every ministry points to Jesus Christ!
2. Soul Winning is to be our Passion
Soul winning ought to be the passion of the Christian. How? Purpose – every Christian, universalism is not in Bible! People - Write the name of 2 hurting friends not in church– what is their greatest need? Interests? Family? Concern? Pray for them by name – consistently, compassionately. Prepare your testimony (Sin, Salvation, Significance). Be Positive in attitude love, service, friendship, and forgiveness. Provide an opening – “Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior right now?” Plant seeds. We should never stop sharing Jesus. Pleasure – nothing more exciting than seeing people saved and baptized!
III. Are You Thinking of the Lord’s Coming?
A. His Coming is Scriptural
Of the 260 chapters in the N.T., there are more than 300 references to the Lord’s return--one out of every 30 verses. Twenty-three of the 27 N.T. books refer to this great event.
B. His Coming is Sure
For every prophecy on the first coming of Christ, there are 8 on Christ’s second coming. Did Jesus come the first time?
C. His Coming is Soon
Revelation 22: 7, 12, 20 “’Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. 12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.’ 20, He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
IV. Are You Thinking of the Lord’s Call?
“…what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming day of God…” 2 Peter 3:11-13
Remember this morning, we serve a God who is faithful! Pay attention to the Scriptures, not scoffers! What will matter most in the end? Trust God/holy character!
Dwight L. Moody preached a sermon before the great Chicago fire and told his congregation he would give them a week to think it over and call for their decisions for Christ on the following Sunday. Many never had a chance to respond and Moody began to practice the “now” opportunity of salvation.
Saint – remember God has not forgotten you, nor His promises to you! Bleak for unbelievers - blessed for believers! Sinner, remember Elohim created you and can re-create new life in you today! Come to Jesus today!