D:day Death Series

D-Day Prepping Series

D-Day: Death

April 22, 2013

Chester FBC Dr. Mike Fogerson, Pastor

Introduction:

A In 2 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul is certain of his upcoming execution at the hands of Nero.

1 He’s preparing to go home to be with the Lord.

a 2 Timothy 4. 6-8

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8 (NASB)

b He’s living out the promise of 2 Cor. 5.8,

“ we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Cor 5:8 (NASB)

c He’s preparing to leave this world, die.

2 When we give our hearts/receive Christ as savior, God creates a longing in our soul to go home.

a We have been called out from this world.

b We have nothing in common w/ a world filled with vulgarity, filth, pornography, blasphemy against God.

B It’s no secret where I stand on traditional marriage.

1 On-line I’ve been called a hate-monger, Pastor of Westboro Baptist, idiot (some of those are from former members.)

a Why? This world is not a friend of Christians; it’s not our home.

b Jesus’ prayer of intercession confirms this world will hate the believer (John 17.14)

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14 (NASB)

2 We as Christians are to prepare to go home.

I We need to be saved!

A “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 (NASB)

1 Are you saved? Are you sure your saved?

a I grew up in a small Southern Baptist church and one of the deacons, ss teachers, bus drivers was a man named “Bob.”

b A few years ago, Jamey Ragle was preaching a revival in Centralia that Bob attended. Something incrediable happened to Bob at that revival. . . He got saved!

aa Deacon, tither, S.S. teacher, etc. . . LOST.

bb There’s only one way home; personal faith in Jesus Christ.

2 It’s the most important decision you’ll ever make.

a “ . . . Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:2 (NASB)

b IL. D.L. Moody invitation to give his listeners one week to think about their decision. The next night, the Great Chicago Fire. He said he’d never give another listener an opportunity to think about receiving Christ.

B You need Jesus so you can be prepared to go home, so don’t run from Him.

1 IL. A woman driving home from work noticed that an 18-wheeler was tailgating her car.

a She sped up, the truck did. She slowed down, the truck did.

aa Scared, took the next exit, truck followed her.

bb Speed through a yellow light, only for the truck to go through the red light.

cc She pulled into a filling station and the truck driver got out of his rig and ran to her car. Pulled out a would be attacker from the backseat!

b His pursuit wasn’t to harm her but to save her, even at the cost of his own safety, so she could escape harm.

2 Heaven is our great escape.

a Escape disease (receive a perfected bodies); Escape stress (receive God’s rest)

b Escape conflict (receive God’s peace); escape boredom (worship the holy, holy, holy God.)

3 When you run from God, you’re running from the only one who can save you, keep Satan from destroying your life.

TS: Once you’re saved, you must begin to live a Christian life.

II Be Separated.

A “ They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16 (NASB)

1 Since we are not of the world we are not to live like the world does.

a for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light . . . Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; Eph. 5:8; 5:11 (NASB)

b As Christians we are to live a godly, separated life.

2 God is light and has no fellowship with darkness.

a Separation from darkness/wickedness is a natural consequence of our relationship with God.