Things That Matter Series

Sunday Morning August 4, 2002 Bel Aire Baptist Church

Series: “The Kingdom Is Near” [#1]

SLIDE 1

THINGS THAT MATTER

Matthew 3:1-12

Introduction:

1. While on vacation, I was reading abut the men that were trapped in the mine with freezing water. Most of them had lost hope and were writing “goodbye” letters tot heir families. Many of them said they prayed a lot. They also said they had time to think about the things that really matter in life.

2. As we start a new series this morning, I want to remind you of the urgency we must have of telling others that Jesus saves. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. Turn with me to Matthew 3 as we study “Things That Matter”.

SLIDE 2

Called

SLIDE 3

Matthew 3:1-3

1. The most important thing in your life is your salvation. When the Holy Spirit convicts you of what a dirty, unclean, sinful person you are; then you must repent. Repentance is turning and going a new direction. Once you stop fighting God and surrender your life to Him you become His and not your own. As a member of God’s family, He has plans for your life.

2. After your salvation, you are to live your life for God by serving Him. God equips us with all we need. He gives us the gifts and talents we need to do His work. Just as John the Baptist was fulfilling his calling so that people were being led to Jesus, so should we. That is the purpose of whatever God calls you to. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. Not only should we follow our calling, we must be…

SLIDE 4

Committed

SLIDE 5

Matthew 3:4-6

1. John was committed to his call, not popularity. John knew what mattered. The way he dressed, the way he looked, what he ate did not matter. He wasn’t playing by man’s rules and traditions.

2. We as God’s people must avoid the pitfalls of appearance. We cannot allow worldly things to get in the way of spiritual things. If we are not careful, we will cause people to turn from the message of Jesus Christ. We should follow our calling, be committed to our calling, and be…

SLIDE 6

Concerned

SLIDE 7-9

Matthew 3:7-12

1. Part of John’s message had to do with being a fraud. The Pharisees and Sadducees were so busy being religious that they could not see the truth. John was concerned for them and the ones that would follow them. He told them that through Jesus Christ they would be saved from the fires of Hell.

2. John also explained that those followers of Christ would be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Once Christ left earth, He left us another comforter, the Holy Spirit. The moment you are saved you are given the Holy Spirit. This is Who leads us in the will of the Father. This is the source of the power and strength we need to fight for the Lord.

Conclusion:

1. Our lives must bear fruits for Christ. We must follow our calling, be committed to our calling, and be concerned about our calling for the sake of others.

SLIDE 10

2. The invitation is simple. If you are saved, do what God has called you to do the best you can possibly do. If you are not doing all you are called to do, tell God and get to work.

Matthew 3:12

3. If you are here without Jesus, let me remind you of something. I have just read to you what will happen in the end. If you die without Jesus you will be separated out. Jesus separates the saved from the lost. The saved will spend eternity in Heaven, the lost in Hell. If you died to today where would your destination be?