Scriptures Cited: Romans 13:11; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 1:1; Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Luke 12:16-21; Matthew 23:1-3; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 7:16; James 1:22; Matthew 5:14; Genesis 12:2-3; Jeremiah 32:38; Matthew 23; Titus 3:9; Romans 10:9; John 3:10
Introduction
Some messages are so important they can’t wait
The gospel message is too important to wait for later
John the Baptist dedicated his life to preaching the gospel
Critical Situation (vs 2)
“At hand” literally means ‘is upon us’
The End Times are here
We’ve been in the end times for 2000 years
Jesus could return at any moment
Many people won’t be ready
Universal Application (vs 5, 7)
The gospel applies to everyone
Pharisees – 6000 of them, legalists, accepted spiritual things
Sadducees – fewer than Pharisees, rejected spiritual things
The two groups hated each other but hated Jesus more
John preaches to them
No one is beyond the message and power of the gospel
Intentional Manifestation (vs 8)
It’s not enough to know the truth, we have to live the truth
“By their fruit you shall know them” (Matt 7:16)
Personal Confession (vs 9-10)
Faith isn’t something we can inherit
No one can be saved without a personal confession of faith
This is something the world will not understand
The assurance of salvation isn’t known outside the church
A Christian’s security is mysterious to those looking in on it
Eternal Decision (vs 11-12)
Some decisions will affect life forever
Career choice, marriage, criminal activity, education, etc.
How a person handles the gospel will affect life for eternity
It’s not enough to go through the motions
Three kinds of baptism (Water, Spirit, Fire)
Religion isn’t enough, it has to be a personal relationship
Closing
All of us have a limited amount of time on earth
No one knows how much time is available
This is the Urgency of Evangelism
