The Unfinished Sermon

The Unfinished Sermon

Acts 24:24—27

Intro.

I really feel for Paul as a preacher.

His sermon was really on a roll.

Want to hit the pulpit and shout "Amen"

Then, all the sudden, Felix pulls the plug. "That's enough for now, if I have time later I'll hear more.

Don't call me, I'll call you."

Paul is dumb-fangled. (felt like contestant on Gong Show who gets gonged just before his big finish.)

"But God, it felt so good, he was moved, convicted, about to make decision."

That's how preacher feels: knows people are right for a decision.

Just like Felix THEY TREMBLE but like Felix TREMBLE THEN TURN IT OFF.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH ... the Felix' of this world PROCRASTINATE!

I can tell you about procrastination.

That is a sad thought … HE TREMBLED

...BUT...HE DID NOT ACT ON THE FEELINGS.

1. IS IT NOT THE TENDENCY OF FALLEN MAN EVER TO HIDE HIMSELF FROM THE SEARCHING EYE OF GOD?

Don't want to subject ourselves, our lives to scrutiny of others

self

God.

It makes us too uncomfortable ...pride rebels

2. ARE THERE NOT MANY WHO LISTEN TO WEEKLY SERMONS YET LEAVE NONE THE BETTER FOR WHAT THEY HEAR?

Oh, it was a good sermon

It really gave me something to think about.

They are entertained but not improved

challenged but not changed y

agitated but do not act.

3. Do we not see in the Felix's of the world a NEED FOR SERIOUSNESS IN RELIGION? •

Christians need to learn to take the messages seriously.

life changing not thought provoking ` l

Christians need to learn to take the feelings seriously..]

leading to action not head shaking.

"I've heard enough for right now, let’s hold the rest of this sermon for another time. The next time I have some free time I'll call for you."

4. Felix made TWO big, big mistakes ...

a. He did not know what constituted a convenient season/time.

Everyone some day or other will be more religious.

Bye and bye they will be a more favorable position to start.

One day "they will be holier, or their anxieties will be fewer, or their temptation will be less, or their religious advantages will be greater, or their associations will be more fitting, or they will have family obligations taken care of, or they will have their financial house in order, so their state of mind will be better prepared."

J. Vaughn.

The procrastinator says, "There is no time like tomorrow."

b. He thought he had control of time.

"Time and tide wait for no man."

You can't count on having tomorrow

Make plans for tomorrow -- only a fool does not

But the important things... Make a will

Buy life Insurance

Care for family

DO THESE TODAY!

•Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promisory note, Today is the only cash you have—spend it wisely,

Don't be like Felix

If you have the feeling--- God calling-- ACT