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Biblical
references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon
outlines are linked directly to text of the
King James version of the Bible.
Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James
version of the Bible.
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Introduction.
1. We have all had the experience of missing something.
1) When we miss something we feel frustrated and/or mad.
2) But, usually, we handle it pretty well...
a. If we miss the bus, we catch another one.
b. If we miss an appointment, we make another one.
c. If we miss a visitor, we go see him.
d. If we miss a phone call, they'll probably call back.
e. If you miss a meal, you can always eat later.
2. All misses, however, are not as easy to correct as these.
1) If you miss the April 15 deadline for filing your income taxes there is
usually a penalty that must be paid.
2) I you miss a business deadline, or a payment deadline; there is usually a
penalty to be paid.
3) Sometimes a sick person who misses taking his medicine will suffer because of
it.
3. There are some spiritual implications in these thoughts:
1) What if you miss heaven!?
2) Think about that for a minute!
3) It is a terrible thought isn't it!
4) What should you do if you miss heaven?
Body.
I. The Bible states that some will miss heaven.
1. According to Jesus, not everyone will be saved.
2) According to this text there are going to be some surprises in the Day of
Judgment.
3) There will be many who thought they were right, but will be sorrowfully
surprised in the Day of Judgment.
2. Sadly, many will die in sin.
2) Many will be lost because they died in their sins:
a. Some KNEW they were in sin.
b. Some DID NOT KNOW they were in sin.
c. But, they will still be lost, if they die in their sins.
a. Why are sinners separated from God?
3. The Scriptures tell that there are few that will go to heaven.
a. Most of the world does exactly what they want.
b. They have the least bit of concern for God's wishes and requirements.
2) The whole world lieth in wickedness -
1 John. 5:19
a. Here we have another reference to the great number that will miss heaven.
b. Again, few will be going to heaven.
II. Why will there be so many missing heaven?
1. Many will not obey God.
a. There will be no salvation without obedience.
b. Jesus was obedient and we must be the same.
a. Obedience is a prerequisite to salvation.
b. Many will miss heaven because they refuse to obey God.
2. Many are filled with pride.
1) Edom was filled with pride -
Obadiah 3-4
a. This is a major barrier for many in the world today.
b. Many are too proud to admit they are wrong.
c. Many are caught up in themselves.
a. Destruction was to come to Judah because of her pride.
b. She said, I am, and there is none beside me.
c. Like Muhammad Ali says, "I'm the greatest."
a. Pride will cause many to miss heaven.
3. Many refuse to live faithfully.
a. Give diligence to be sure.
b. We will go to heaven if...
a. An if –– then statement.
b. There is no such thing as once saved always saved!
a. There is no way we can go to heaven unless we remain faithful unto the Lord.
b. God is a God of severity to the unfaithful.
4. Because of sin.
a. Sin separates us from God.
b. Unforgiven sin will cause us to miss heaven.
a. Sin brings death, separation from God.
b. Sin is the reason people miss heaven.
III. What to do if you miss heaven.
1. Start to think about some things.
1) Think how you will have no more opportunities to obey the Gospel.
2) Think of how your fate is now sealed, and eternity has begun.
3) Think about all the times you rejected the invitation.
4) Think about all the times you failed to let your light shine.
5) Think about the trouble you have caused the church or your family.
6) Think about how you rejected:
2. Start to feel some things.
1) The gnashing of your teeth -
Matthew 25:30
(represents the anguish that will be found in hell.)
3) Feeling great pain -
Matthew 25:46
(perfect pain, everlasting fire.)
4) You will feel you are in torment -
Luke 16:19-26
5) You will feel you are in the place of the devil -
Matthew. 25:41
3. You will start to grope because:
1) You are in outer darkness -
Matthew 25:30
2) There is no hope of getting out -
Luke 16:26
3) There is nothing but frustration and pain for eternity.
4. Start to share.
1) Others will be in hell with you.
2) Notice some of the people you will share hell with -
Revelation 21:8
3) These will be your eternal neighbors.
5. Realize there is no positive thing you can do.
1) It's all over! It's too late.
2) If you miss heaven there is not any thing you can do to correct it.
3) Think about it! No more hope!!!
Conclusion.
1. But I have some good news for you!
1) You do not have to miss heaven!
2) You now have the opportunity to obey the Gospel!
3) You now have an opportunity to turn over a new leaf!
2. The Bible tells us if we do not want to miss heaven we must:
1) Believe or have faith in Jesus -
John 8:24
2) Repent of our past sins -
Luke 13:3
3) Confess publicly the name of Christ -
Matthew 10:32-33
3. What will happen if you miss heaven?
1) Be eternally lost.
2) Be punished eternally.
4. What can you do if you miss heaven?
1) Suffer!
2) That's all you can do!!!
Don Treadway,
05/16/2004 |
