READY OR NOT Revelation 22:12-20
Intro: Ready or not it’s coming, Christmas time
It’s impossible to miss the Christmas season with all the hype today.
All the stores are preparing, stocking up
All the homes are preparing dressing up
All the people are preparing plumping up
It would be impossible for someone to not notice all the signs across store fronts, banners on web pages, Christmas music on the radio, Christmas movies on the TV.
How many already have decorations up?
How many already have started shopping?
How many have already mailed Christmas cards?
How many already have said Merry Christmas?
It’s easy to prepare for Christmas today because we know when it’s coming (December 25 each year).
What about that first Christmas, were they prepared when it came?
Only a few Sheppard’s and wise men even came to visit
Only a few brought gifts
Even though many had long awaited and desired for that first Christmas to come, very few even knew when it came.
We’ll, ready or not Christmas is on it’s way.
I hope you are prepared when it comes, I hope it is a merry Christmas for all, and it can be if your prepared.
Jesus came and no one was prepared, or understood its significance.
I’m sure Mary wanted a place to give birth
I’m sure Joseph wouldn’t have made her travel so far
I’m sure the family would have wanted to be there
I’m sure they would have been a crowd for the King of kings, The Prince of peace, The Messiah who taketh away the sins of the world.
They wasn’t ready for His birth, they wasn’t ready for His death, they wasn’t ready for His resurrection, are you ready for His return?
When Jesus comes He always makes a difference
I. IN EVERY DAY LIFE
A. Surly He made a difference in Mary & Joseph’s lives
B. He has made a difference in our lives
C. He makes us new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17)
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
D. He makes us Children of God (Rom. 8:16)
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
E. He makes us heirs of God (Rom. 8:17)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
F. He Changes us from enemies to friends
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4)
G. He gives us peace (John 14:27)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
II. IN EVERY ETERNAL LIFE
A. He gives His Spirit (Rom. 8:8-9)
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
B. He gives His pardon (John 3:18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
C. He gives life (John 3:36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Closing: Ready or not, it’s coming, will you be ready?
If your not, you may not have another chance----(Rev. 22:11)
All the prophecies are fulfilled, ready or not He’s coming.
