A rich landowner named Carl often rode around his vast estate so he could congratulate himself on his great wealth. One day while riding around his estate on his favorite horse, he saw Hans an old tenant farmer, who was sitting under a tree when Carl rode by. Hans said, "I was just thanking God for my food". Carl protested, "If that is all I had to eat, I wouldn’t feel like giving thanks". Hans replied, "God has given me everything I need, and I am thankful for it."
Then the old farmer added, "Its strange that you should come by today, for I had a dream last night. In my dream I voice said, "The richest man in the valley will die tonight". I don’t what it means but I thought I ought to tell you."
Carl could not forget Hans’s words, "The richest man in the valley will die tonight". He was obviously the richest man in the valley. So he invited his doctor to his house that evening. Carl told the doctor what Hans said. After a thorough examination, the doctor told him, "Carl you are as strong and healthy as your horse. There is no way you are going to die tonight". Nevertheless for assurance the doctor stayed with Carl and they played cards all night. At about nine o’clock the next morning, a messenger arrived at Carl’s door. "What is it" Carl demanded. The messenger explained, "Its about old Hans. He died last night in his sleep."
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It is in the recreation room of a Californian retirement facility. Four ladies are playing bridge and chatting and keeping an eye on the flow of people in and out of the area. Soon an elderly gentleman wanders into the room. They all recognize him for a newcomer and they all perk up. One of the ladies says, “Hello there. You’re new here, aren’t you?” He smiles and replies that he is, indeed. He had just moved in that morning. Another one of the ladies says, “Where did you live before you moved in?” He says, “I was just released from San Quentin, where I spent the last twenty years.” A third lady perks up at this and say, “Oh, is that so? What were you in for?” He says, “I murdered my wife.” The fourth lady sits up in her chair, smiles and say, “Oh, then you’re single?”
Verse 3-Why Stay Here
Sometimes you are in a situation when you ask yourself that question!
It maybe a job that you are in.
It maybe your financial situation.
It maybe a relationship that you are in.
Verse 5-They Got Up And Went
When you are in a situation that is really bad and it is weighing on you, physically, emotionally, then maybe it is time to make a change.
A person can do that maybe by furthering their education to get a better job.
To change a financial situation they might need to be on a budget and stick to it.
In relationship they might need professional help, to better their relationship.
Verse 9-We’re Not Doing Right
James 4:17-Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
We Are Blessed, So We Can Bless Others!
If we have a talent, we need to use it!
If we have extra finances, we need to share it!
If we free time, we need to invest it!
If we are not using what God gives us, then We’re Not Doing Right!
Maybe someone needs a ride to a doctors appointment, maybe help managing money (Making a budget), maybe donating clothes, household goods, food, maybe giving someone a gift card to get their hair fixed, or a meal at restaurant, maybe visit someone, you don’t know in the nursing home!
When we don’t share the gospel with others…(Witness, Invite to Church, Give our Testimony), then We’re Not Doing Right!
To many Christians are committing the sin of silence.
Verse 9-This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent.
That should shame us, We have good news, we have the best news!
We have the answer to the worlds problems! THE PROBLEM IS WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT!
And yet we remain silent!
What Are We Embarrassed About?
What Are We Ashamed Of?
Romans 1:16-For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Someone has defined evangelism as "One Satisfied Beggar Telling Other Hungry Beggars Where To Find Bread".
Verse 9-If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us.
We Are Running Out Of Time To Tell Others About Christ…(His Return Or Our Departure…We Are Not Getting Any Younger)!
We need to take responsibility for the world not being evangelized and the punishment for that, is the result of the world we live in!
Verse 9-Now therefore, come, let us go and tell
That should be our desire as we leave here today, that should be our battle cry!
Verse 17-Now the king had appointed the officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate. But the people trampled him in the gate, and he died, just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him.
Many See The Hand Of God And The Blessing Of God, But Do Not Partake Of It, They Do Not Experience For Themselves.
Massena, one of Napoleon’s generals, suddenly appeared with 18,000 soldiers before an Austrian town which had no means of defending itself. The town council met, certain that capitulation was the only answer. The old dean of the church reminded the council that it was Easter, and begged them to hold services as usual and to leave the trouble in God’s hands. They followed his advice. The dean went to the church and rang the bells to announce the service. The French soldiers heard the church bells ring and concluded that the Austrian army had come to rescue the town. They broke camp, and before the bells had ceased ringing, vanished!
