A Review of Life…And a Re-Focus on the Future By Pastor Dan Kennedy © January 1, 2012 www.pastorkennedy.com (On the website above, click the link to “recent message notes” to view this message online.) We are entering a new year. 2012 is before us and is enigma to us all. No one but God knows what is going to take place. What are Key Indicators, which may give us certain clues about the future? • The Middle East is aflame – bursting spontaneously one place and then another, while always and continuously threatening the very existence of the tiny nation of Israel – a key end-time placeholder. • The global economy is suffering under the hemorrhaging of financial insecurity. Nations are reeling under the financial exasperation of debt. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have lost their personal fortunes. Few nations can claim economic stability. • The earth is groaning under the increasing curse of natural disasters: fire, flood, windstorms, famine, and earthquakes. Their volume and intensity has increased prolifically. • War has dominated many parts of our planet. Nations rise against nation, people against people, culture against culture, and religious groups within religious groups. • Technology is at unprecedented levels…never before seen in the history of mankind. The innovations, inventions and production lines within the past 100 years have propelled all of civilization out of the dark ages into an era only dreamed of previously as fantasy. • While our advances societies may be technologically brilliant, our souls can be even more profoundly lost in a downward plunge into the most debased heart where every person does only what is right in their own corrupted mind. The world has seen many of these indicators before, but it seems that in the rise and fall within the rhythm of the cycles of turmoil in the ages of the earth, we, in our digital, technological age, are sensing a surge of unprecedented levels – both in information and distress. Internal moral tsunamis within the hearts of mankind – in any culture, have more dire eternal consequences than the devastating natural disaster. The call resonates from the Scripture: “Save yourselves from this crooked and perverse generation” (Acts 2:40; Phil. 2:15). Philippians 2:15–16 15 …That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life…. Let’s change focus for a moment and consider a review of life… A Review of Life Often we may tend to think that if: • Had I enjoyed a better education at a more prestigious school… • Had I been more successful in life to acquire more things… • Had I been more talented – or used my talents more effectively… • Had I been born into a more endowed family… • Had I not experienced the set-backs that I had suffered… • Had I invested my money more wisely, or had more… If we had done some of these things…that the outcome of our lives could have or would be more favorable. The Final Outcome of Life The most important part of life is our relationship with God – this relationship not only counts now, but it is essential for eternity. Matthew 16:24–26 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Also found in Mark 8:34–37; Luke 9:23–25 Luke 12:16–21 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” No Matter How Great We, or the World Perceives Ourselves to be, We Must All Face “The Great Equalizer” I would like to spend a few minutes looking at those, who the media, or others in the world, have considered to be famous…but who have passed away in 2011. Maybe some of these folks had an impact for good or ill in your life. God only knows their relationship to Him. This is only to give us a glimpse into their lives, but these too, no matter how great or how small, as will all mankind, face the Judge of all Eternity! The gifts, success, financial condition, social standing, power, or authority, was all left behind. The media has given us many, many well-known people who passed away from this life in 2011. You can review some of those passed away through numerous news sources.... Each of these more widely known people had aspirations in their life, just like we do. Each of them struggled through various periods of life and various problems in life. And, yes, each one of these amazing and gifted people died. Each one will stand before God, just as we will. Moses, the man of God, when he was old, wrote Psalm 90…an epitaph on the shortness of life Psalm 90 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Why did Jesus Christ come to earth? 1. To Free us from the Debilitation of Sin and its terrible outcome of Death Each of us in the world has become debilitated because of sin. No one can reach his or her fullest potential, or have an honorable relationship with God, because of the individual curse of sin. AND the wages of sin that brings death. • The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah prophesied 500 years before the Messiah: Isaiah 53:5–6 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. • The Angel that announced Christ’s birth gave a primary reason for the coming of the Messiah: Matthew 1:20–21 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” • Jesus, at “the last supper” gave the reason for the pouring out of His life’s blood, as He symbolically shared the cup. Matthew 26:26–28 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Are you troubled from the guilt of sin? Jesus Christ came to bear the guilt and punishment of our sin. This is why Jesus Christ is called, “The Savior”. Those who accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice as the covering for their sins are saved from the guilt and condemnation of their sin. 2. Jesus Christ came to open wide the Door for New Birth that would transform us, by the Power of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit came to transform those who would believe in Christ, for the cleansing of their sin, to become Children of the Most High God – and Jesus Christ is their Savior and Lord! John 3:3 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Titus 3:5–6 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior… 3. Jesus Christ came to earth to deliver us from the coming Wrath of God. One day the grace of God will be fulfilled on earth and the wrath of God will be poured out on those who have despised God’s grace. Romans 5:9 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 9 … how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. Colossians 3:4–6 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Ephesians 5:5–7 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them.... The call resonates from the Scripture: “Save yourselves from this crooked and perverse generation” (Acts 2:40; Phil. 2:15). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” Acts 16:31 John 3:16–18 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. We not only choose Jesus as our Savior, we look to Him as our coming Eternal King Luke 1:30–33 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The One in whom we hope and put our trust is not only One who is our Savior from Sin, He is the King in a Kingdom that will be eternal. Is there reason to deny Jesus Christ the throne of our hearts? 1. Jesus Christ came to earth to Free us from the Debilitation of Sin and its terrible outcome of Death. We can trust Him for our Salvation and Eternal Life! 2. Jesus Christ came to earth to open wide the Door for New Birth that would transform us, by the Power of the Holy Spirit. We can trust Him to transform us! 3. Jesus Christ came to earth to deliver us from the coming Wrath of God. We can trust Him to deliver us! We are to wait patiently as Children of Light, until the Coming of the Lord… James 5:7-11 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. It is the beginning of a New Year. No one knows that lies in the future. No one knows what will happen this year. The Unstoppable River of Life Life is like a huge, unstoppable river -- deep and gentle at first, moving in almost a non-perceptible motion, but ever pressing unrelentingly forward. All the souls of the world find themselves confined between its banks. As it flows, those so constrained may gleefully play in the warm and soothing water, calling to one another, splashing each other, fishing quietly, or lazily lying back and drifting to who knows where, under the glowing sun on bright summer days. Sometimes the water passes through murky, polluted discharges, foul with debris and waste, which poison unsuspecting voyagers with virulent sicknesses. Sometimes dark, cold rain clouds cause the drifting masses to huddle together for warmth and protection. Sometimes the unprepared are bombarded with the hell of war, famine and hideous atrocities. No matter through what circumstances of joy or despair affecting those so destined to be upon this amazing earth, the giant river of life continues to flow. It keeps pressing on, until it becomes more aggressively possessive in its undertow; rushing more determinedly toward its final surge; and, then in a giant rainbow cascade, with frightening speed and violent turbulence, it thrusts all humankind, in unique individual completeness, over its brilliant but terrifying waterfall...into eternity! The New Year is before us – a year of huge uncertainty. Those who put their hope in the Lord will never be ashamed!