Sermon Central
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The Greatest Nations
Contributed by Craig Benner on Sep 18, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: There are nations that are great and then there are nations that change the course of your world. You may be surprised to know what these nations are.
Great Nations
What nation do you consider to be the greatest of all that exist in this world?
You may say the U.S.A. or Israel or even China.
I would say that you are mistaken. Why? Because there are "nations" that have greater effect on your life.
There are Three Great Nations that we want to consider.
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
I. First Nation = ProcrastiNATION
This is very dangerous ground. How many victories have been lost due to dangerous delays.
It is ironic that we would not even think twice about missing our own graduation, our wedding, a banquet in our honor, or a meeting where we were going to receive a promotion; but so many keep pondering whethr or not they should go ahead and get saved. We are not talking about a temporary thrill or highlight in life. We are talking about a change in our eternal destination.
We are creatures of habit- whether for good or for bad.
Too many times, our habit is to keep putting something off, until it is too late.
Examples: LOST OPPORTUNITIES
Esau--Hebrews 12:15-17--sought repentance too late.
Foolish Virgins--Mt. 25:10--waited too late to acquire the oil.
Disciples--Mt. 26:40-46--missed the prayer meeting in Gethsemane due to sleepiness and unconcern.
Thomas--Jn. 20:19,24--he doubted all the more because he did not make it to the meeting to personally see the resurrected Christ.
Felix is an example of one who procrastinated too long. As far as we know, he never found that place of repentance, and today he is in hell.
And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Eccl. 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
This is "nation" that we have to deal with, or we could become doomed by ignoring it.
II. Second Nation = ImagiNATION
Prov. 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
2nd. Co. 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
A person can let his imagination run wild and lose touch with reality. The devil wants you to live in a make believe world where he can control you by causing you to believe things that are not always true.
Yes, the imagiNATION can be a very deceiving place to dwell.
III. Third Nation = DetermiNATION
Here is a "nation" that we should all visit often. Life throws us a lot of curves and a lot of hardballs. Sometimes we just want to give up. We feel that it is too hard and we are too weak.
So many times it just requires hanging in there a little longer or trying just a little harder.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Many a war has been won due to the ties with this country. We must be determined to make heaven our home. There are real enemies that want to rob you of your salvation, but 90 per cent of the batlle is in that of determination.
In my point of view, these are the three greatest "nations" that exist. Our dealings with each of these will determine our spiritual victory.
