The Doors of Scripture

Good morning, everyone—how amazing is it that we get to be here outside today and worship in the open air of God’s beautiful creation. Whether this is your first time with us or you’ve worshiped with us for years, I want you to know you are welcome. My name is Pastor Billy, I’m the pastor at Leaf River Baptist Church over on Mount Morris blacktop, and I have the joy of opening the Scriptures here this morning. We have just worshiped through prayer and an amazing time of lifting our voices up to the Lord this morning, while we do this outside we should remember that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth is filled with his goodness. Let’s prepare and open our minds and hearts this morning, knowing the Lord meets us wherever we are—on mountaintops, in valleys, and even on the grass beneath our feet here in Leaf River—Amen.

Let me just shift us for a moment and lift our time up to the Lord this morning.

Pray

You know we live our lives moving through doors. Car doors, house doors, job interview doors. Some open to blessing, others to disappointment. Some even slam shut in our faces (that’s not fun). But in Scripture, God has placed certain doors that aren’t just physical — they’re eternal. That’s what I want to talk about this morning. Specifically, what if today…right now…youa re standing in front of one of God’s doors? How would you respond if you realized that there is a door ready for you…maybe it’s a great door…maybe it’s a terrifying door, but it’s a door of eternal consequence.

This morning I want to start off at a time when the world was truly falling apart. Maybe you would feel like your world is falling apart today. But we are going to look at a time in history where God build a door of mercy in the middle of a time of judgement.

The first door we’re going to look at is

The Ark Door—a door of rescue (Genesis 6-7)

Let me tell you about what’s going on here.

A really long ago, humanity spiraled into violence, corruption, and evil intentions, Scripture tells us that every intention of mans heart of evil. So…God's heart grieved—not out of rage, but sorrow—at what His amazing creation had become. Yet in the middle of the darkness, one man stood out: His name was Noah. He walked with God when no one else would. So God shared a plan with him—not just for judgment, but for salvation.

God told Noah to build an ark, this massive vessel, because a flood was coming to wash the earth clean. For years, Noah obeyed—even while others mocked, even when there was no rain in sight. He gathered animals, two by two, and loaded provisions, trusting God’s word over what his eyes could see.

And then, the rain came. The skies burst open and the deep waters surged. For forty days and nights, it rained and waters rose and rose. For over a year water covered the earth—but inside the ark, Noah, his family, and the creatures were safe. God shut the door Himself, sealing them in with His mercy. This wasn’t just a story about destruction—it was about God’s faithfulness to preserve life, to offer a second chance, and to remember those who walk with Him, even when the world turns away.

It’s amazing to me that early every ancient civilization—whether Mesopotamian, Chinese, Native American, or others—has its own version of a great flood story. These widespread accounts point to a shared memory of a real, world-shaping event. While the details vary, the biblical record in Genesis gives us the true account: not just of a flood, but of a holy God who judges sin and yet provides a way of salvation.

So why did all of this happen? Well, in Genesis 6:5 we read that

Genesis 6:5 ESV

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The entire world was corrupt and violent. They were evil, everywhere. I know we live in a world where we can all acknowledge there is evil everywhere. Theft, murder, sexual assault, all these things happen daily around the world. But in the midst of all of this evil, there are men and women who are seeking to live lives pleasing to the Lord…In the days of Noah there were not those men and women. There was only evil everywhere.

As a result of so much evil, and so much hatred and violence, God is a just God, meaning that evil deserves judgement. God’s judgement is real…but so is hi’s mercy.

In Genesis 7:16 we read that

Genesis 7:16 ESV

And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in.

The Lord shut them in. The Lord, in his mercy and care called out to Noah, and shut in Noah and his family to keep them safe from the coming judgement.

Friends, this flood may seem like ancient history, it is historical — but the truth it reveals is eternal: judgment is coming. You may not experience water rise around your ankles, but the weight of sin, guilt, and death is rising all around us today, in your heart, you know that’s true. The real question is: Are you safely inside the ark? In other words, Are you trusting God’s way of escape — or just hoping the storm won’t reach you?

Listen, maybe you’re on the ark and trusting the Lord will show you his mercy, which he promises to do. But look at what Noah did. Noah obeyed everything God said (Gen. 6:22). That’s the kind of obedience you and I are called to, even when the culture mocks us, or when the laws change. Did you know that in certain parts of Europe it is actually illegal to pray privately to the Lord. There are even some areas that you can be ticketed, or arrested for praying inside of your own home. So, can I ask you: Are you living like Noah did? Not just believing God’s Word, but obeying it — when it’s costly, when it’s mocked, when it doesn’t make sense?

God spared Noah’s family — not because they were perfect, but because they trusted His word. And years later, God gave His people another door — one marked with blood.

The second dor we’re gonna look at is…

THE PASSOVER DOOR – the door of redemption (Exodus 12)

What is Passover? I mean most people know it’s a Jewish festival and it’s still celebrated to this day…but what is it? I’m gonna tell you this morning.

So the Israelites had lived in slavery for over 400 years, this is the aftermath to the Joseph story that we are exploring right now on. Anyway, they are enslaved for 400 years—crushed by Pharaoh’s cruelty, crying out for deliverance. God heard them. He sent Moses to confront Pharaoh, but Pharaoh's heart was hard, he was uninterested in providing any relief and only made things worse. So God unleashed ten plagues, each one striking at the heart of Egypt’s power and their false gods. But Pharaoh still refused to let God’s people go.

Then came the final plague: the death of every firstborn in Egypt. But before that horrible night, God gave His people a way of rescue. Each family was to take a spotless lamb, kill it, and place its blood on the doorposts of their home. They were to roast the lamb, eat it with bitter herbs and unleavened bread, and get dressed to leave—because freedom was coming.

This is what we read in Exodus 12:12-13. Listen to what God tells Moses.

Exodus 12:12–13 ESV

For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

Then at midnight, judgment swept through Egypt. Every Egyptian home experienced loss. But wherever God saw the blood of the lamb, He passed over. No death came to those homes. That night, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go.

So these families were huddled in their homes. Fathers had smeared blood on the doors. Children were asking questions. Outside, the angel of death was moving through the land. And the only thing that mattered that night... was the blood.

Imagine being a child in a house on that frightening night. There was have been much yelling and crying out in the regioun as so many people were grieving the death of loved ones. So there’s you, maybe your hiding down by your dad’s leg or standing holding onto mom. Then you ask “Dad are—are we safe?” The dad responds, “Yes. Because the blood is there.” Not because we are strong. Because God keeps His promises.

LIsten, some of you are listening today and what you need to know is that what mattered that night in Egypt…still matters this morning. It wasn’t about who had the cleanest house, or the best moral record, or the most spiritual background. It was simply this: Was there blood on the door? Listen, judgment came for everyone — but mercy covered those who trusted God’s way of escape.

This morning, God’s not looking at how you compare to someone else. He’s not asking if you’ve gone to church enough or cleaned up your act. He’s asking: Have you trusted in the blood of the Lamb — Jesus Christ — to cover you? Salvation came from being covered by the blood of the lamb.

Some of us entered through the blood long ago — but now you’re tempted to live like it’s up to us again. Are you still clinging to the Lamb, or have you drifted back to self-effort/self-righteousness, to spiritual pride, or to fear? The blood that saved you is the blood that sustains you. Rest in it, and live like it actually matters.

But that blood on the doorpost pointed forward — not just to rescue from slavery, but to rescue from death itself. Which leads us to a stone door that didn’t stay shut.

Let’s talk about…

THE TOMB DOOR – the door of life (Matthew 28:1–6)

Listen, the tomb door is a whole other thing. You see what happened leading up to the tomb door was nothing less than life changing for billions of people across the generations. Let me remind you about the story of Jesus.

Jesus was no ordinary man. He was born in humble surroundings of a small town, but he was announced by angels in the sky. He was both fully man and fully God—He was…God with us. From the start, His life fulfilled ancient prophecies. He didn’t grew up in a palace as a king should, but in a carpenter’s home in small place called Nazareth. Then, around age 30, He began His public ministry: healing the sick, restoring the broken hearted, casting out demons, and proclaiming the arrival of God’s Kingdom.

He taught with authority, not even the religious leaders spoke with his authority. He said insane things—like 'Love your enemies' and 'Blessed are the poor in spirit.' Crowds followed Him, but so did opposition. He forgave sins, welcomed outcasts, and even claimed to be the Son of God. To some, He was a threat to their way of life.

In the final week of His life, Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of 'Hosanna!' But within days, He was betrayed, arrested, and handed over to be crucified. Nailed to a Roman cross, He died a brutal death, arguably the most brutal form of death that has ever been existed—but even then, He cried out, 'Father, forgive them.' After he died, and they confirmed he was dead, He was buried in a borrowed tomb.

And then came Sunday. In Matthew 28, we read that the women came to the tomb and found it empty. An angel said, 'He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!' Jesus conquered death. He appeared to His disciples, giving them a mission: 'Go and make disciples of all nations.'

The resurrection isn’t just the end of His story—it’s the turning point of ours. Jesus is alive, and because He lives, there is forgiveness, freedom, and eternal hope for all who trust in Him.

You see, we have to ask why he died and more importantly why he rose to leave the tomb. First of all Jesus died because you and I sin against God and against each other. It’s almost always been that way. Ever since Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden because they disobeyed God’s command to them.

When that happened there had to be consequences for their action, and unfortunately those consequences, just like that sin, traveled downstream and every single people who has ever lived on this earth has been a sinner. You are a sinner because you seek to do things you’re own way agaisnt the desires of God. You’re a sinner becasue you repeatedly choose yourself over the God who created you.

That means there has to be a judgement. The Apostle Paul tells us about that judgement when he wrote a letter to the city of Rome. Here’s what Paul wrote to that city.

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Right there Paul reminds us that every single one of us has failed to meet God’s standard of perfection. Every single person that can hear my voice has lied to their mom or dad.

Later Paul tells those in Rome that it’s not just that they have sinned…but that there is a price for that sin.

Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The wages of sin…the price for sin…when you sin, you deserve a certain price, and that price is death. You’re dead spiritually…you’re separated from God—this is how you are born! That’s not a good place to be though and so Jesus did something pretty amazing. That’s what Paul tells the Romans next.

Romans 5:8 ESV

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Christ died for us…remember there had to be a price paid for the sin that was committed. Here’s what happened…while you and I were continuing to sin, Jesus, that same man we talked about a few minutes ago, he paid the price so we didn’t have to…he paid the price because we couldn’t pay that price…it was too expensive. Yet Jesus laid down his life for you and me.

Now that’s pretty amazing but it’s meaningless if that’s where it ends. That’s why this door means so much! The tomb door being open gives you such amazing hope. We have hope because Jesus has already paid the price that you and I can’t pay and the fact that the tomb is empty proves that he was able to pay that price.

Now we could get into all of the evidences of the tomb being empty and if you’d like to talk about those things, please just let me know and we can get together sometime and talk about it all. But for the moment let’s just assume Im not lying to you.That Jesus died and he was burried, and then the tomb’s stone was rolled away to reveal that he was no longer in that place. The door was not open to let Jesus out…it was open to show that he already was risen. The empty tomb is the door to eternal hope. The empty tomb confirms forgiveness of sins is available.

Now…here’s the truth. There are alot of civilization stories that have mimicked the account of the Ark. There are alot of religious leaders that have claimed equality with God over the years…However—none of those leaders of prophets ever came back from the dead. No prophet…no guru…no teacher or guide…Only Jesus.

Jesus came and died and has invited everyone to follow him. There is only one way to follow him though. Listen to Romans 10:9-10 real quick.

Romans 10:9 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

LIsten, Every religious leader has a grave. Jesus’ is empty. The tomb wasn’t emptied by theft or rumor — it was opened with power. If Jesus rose, then He is Lord. If He is Lord, then He owns your next breath.

The resurrection isn’t just hope for someday — it’s proof that your sins can be forgiven today. Why would you cling to a dying life when the One who conquered death invites you into His?

For those who have trusted in Jesus for forgiveness…The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. So let me ask — are you living like you’ve been raised? Or are you walking around spiritually half-dead — joyless, silent, passive? The empty tomb isn’t just an Easter truth — it’s the reason we live in hope and walk in obedience, even when it’s hard.

CONCLUSION:

We’ve looked today at doors that God has either closed or opened: — A door into the ark shows us that God rescuers. — A door marked by blood shows us that God redeems. — A door blasted open from the tomb shows us that God reigns.

But now — there’s one more door left. Yours. And the King of glory is standing outside of it.

Hold up your Bible and read slowly

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. —Ps. 24:7.

That’s not just poetry. That’s a plea. Will you open your heart today? Will you lift the gate? Will you let the King of glory come in — not just as a guest, but as Lord?

What will your response be?

Let’s pray: Pray that God speaks to those he needs to speak with.

The worship team is here to lead us in another song, but I don’t want you moving on from here without having a conversation with the Lord. So, I’m going to be right down here on the ground and I would love to talk to you about how to follow the Lord with your life. LIsten…I know it’s easy to just try and ignore what God is doing becuse you’re embarrassed, or maybe your in a hurry, or maybe you’refightig some pride…Whatever it is…don’t waste this moment this morning because it won’t last forever.

We also have Bibles in the back, if you or a friend needs one, please grab it and take it home. We also have some information about more doors of the Bible back on the table right back there. Please go and grab those for yourself, and maybe for a friend that you know needs to read about these doors as well.

For now, why don’t you all stand up and join the worship team singing about where victory truly comes from.