WHY IS THE WORK OF GOD SO URGENT?

Mark 16:15 & Acts 1:8

  1. because life is short - James 4:14
    1. here today & gone tomorrow
    2. questions to ask ourselves
      1. will we have tomorrow to do work for God?
        1. many put it off until tomorrow
        2. they think they have more important thing to do
        3. they feel they have plenty of time to do service for God
      2. will the lost have a chance to repent tomorrow?
        1. we cannot waste time; it is urgent
        2. we mist tell them today; it is urgent
    3. what it means to be lost
      1. they are dead in sin - Eph. 2:1
        1. many do not realize they have a sin problem
        2. many don’t care about their sin problem (God is love)
        3. evidence of being dead in sin
          1. self abuse: drugs, alcohol, sex
          2. going t extremes to have fun
          3. never experiencing true joy (they are dead)
      2. they are under the wrath of God
        1. whatever they do & wherever they go
        2. is it right to let others suffer this wrath needlessly
        3. can we watch them suffer it?
        4. we need to have the love of God
        5. Christ goal should be our goal - Luke 19:10
      3. they are in desperate need
        1. "without strength" - Rom. 5:6
        2. "were enemies" - Rom. 5:10
    4. we cannot sit idolly sit by – God is counting on us
    5. people need to know that there is help, hope & salvation
    6. the time is urgent
  2. the end is near - Rom. 13:11
    1. nearer now then when written
    2. not all will see death before Christ’s return - I Thes. 4:16-17
    3. many will be surprised at His return - I Thes. 5:2
    4. what we should do in light of His soon return - Rom. 13:11-12
      1. "wake out of sleep"
        1. realize the urgency of the hour
          1. people are dying
          2. Christ is coming
        2. realize that people are dropping into hell every second
      2. "cast off the works of darkness"
        1. unconcern & sloth
        2. self satisfaction
      3. "put on the armour of light"
        1. just the opposite of the works of darkness
        2. prayer, Bible study, giving, going
        3. doctors bury their mistakes, but we send ours to hell
    5. service determines reward
  3. Satan is a relentless foe
    1. he never gives up
    2. he is like a chisel –he just keeps chipping away
    3. Satan has a master plan or goal (to be like God)
    4. Satan is opposed to all that is of God
    5. Satan wants to be the center of worship
      1. will we let Satan have this honor?
      2. this honor belongs only to God
      3. by doing nothing, we allow Satan to have it
      4. by doing nothing, we aid the cause of Satan - Matt. 12:30
    6. we must make ourselves ready for war
      1. Satan will not give up easily
      2. God is depending on us
      3. the cause is worthy & the need is urgent