It Looks Like Rain
November 13, 2011 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We are able to discern the signs before it rains; Jesus said we should be able to discern the signs of His coming!
Focus Passage: Matthew 24:4-12, 36, 42
Supplemental Passage: And He was also saying to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it turns out. "And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, 'It will be a hot day,' and it turns out that way. "You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time? (Luke 12:54-56 NASB)
Introduction: Remark about the recent earthquakes and the fear that people have right now about it being the “end of the world.” Many people have asked me if I thought the end was near.
But He replied to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:2-3 NASB)
I. Do Not Be Misled
a. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. (Matthew 24:5 NASB)
b. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (John 10:27 NASB)
II. Do Not Be Frightened
a. "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. (Matthew 24:6-7 NASB)
b. "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 NASB)
III. Be On the Alert
a. "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42 NASB)
b. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. (Matthew 24:36 NASB)
Invitation: Jesus, Himself, does not know when He is scheduled to return to retrieve us. When it happens, there will not be time to make a final confession or to repent or to be baptized or even to be saved. The Bible says it will happen in the “twinkling of an eye.” Jesus told us two things to NOT do (be misled and be frightened) and one thing that we MUST do (be ready). Are you ready? If you are a believer, is your house in order? Will Jesus find you being faithful when He returns? If you have never confessed Jesus as Lord, you are NOT ready! If Jesus comes back today, it will be too late for you! That is when you will be misled. That is when you will be frightened. All because you were not ready today.
"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (Revelation 22:12-17 NASB)
