Trinity Assembly

Intro:
A. Where do we plant our hope? (The world or the Word)
B. Our hope as believers is far greater than the next president
C. Our only hope is in knowing that this (our life) isn’t all there is
D. Someday we will escape all this, are you planning on it?
E. Matthew 24 says, we don’t know when, so BE ready
F. Questions arise on when, how and who. Some won’t make it
G. If God is so loving why will some be left?
H. The Word tells us that it's our choices, not God's

1. Neglect
A. Acts 24:24-25 – A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”
B. One of the greatest reasons will be neglect
C. I don’t have time right now, too many things occupy our time
D. Our priorities are out of balance, we don't have time for God
E. He is not the first thing on our minds, thoughts
F. We make sure we get up for work, but would we get up at 5am to talk to God

2. Excuses
A. Luke 14:16-20 – Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
B. Every problem, malfunction, failure needs an excuse
C. “Did you do what I ask” Rarely hear just “no”
D. When we stand before God, He may say I never knew you, but I have a good excuse

3. Half-hearted
A. 2 Chronicles 20:31-33 – So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. 32 Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. 33 During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.
B. You’re just never really fully committed, sold-out
C. We would never allow this in sports but it’s ok in our spiritual life
D. In fact Jesus says if you’re lukewarm, he’ll vomit you out
E. James says, if we waver, don’t expect anything from God

4. Ignore the Word
A. Mark 7 – You sidestep God’s law, to hold on to your own tradition
B. Plainly just ignoring the Word of God (refusing to do what it says)
C. You have to ignore it to make it of no effect
D. Isaiah – My Word will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do and will carry out My plan well.

5. Tired of waiting
A. Where is the promise of His Coming?
B. 2 Peter 3 says, He’s not being slow, but patient for your sake
C. Some are just tired of waiting, it’s not worth the wait or sacrifice
D. My selfish impatience is more important than my sacrifice

6. Quit growing in relationship
A. 1 John 2:28-29 – And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.
B. When we don’t grow, we die, we become lost and confused
C. A stream or pool that quits flowing becomes stagnant and dead
D. A stagnant spiritual life does the same thing, keep learning and communicating

7. Unforgiveness
A. Mark 11:24-26 – I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
B. We sin against God every day, yet we expect Him to forgive us
C. We say we have a strong relationship with God but won't forgive others. Maybe it’s not that strong after all
D. There is no excuse for believers to not forgive
E. When we forgive, it brings more than salvation, it brings freedom
F. Titus 3:3-7 – Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But, when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.