sf675 - HEAVEN'S GATE COULD WHAT HAPPENED IN SAN DIEGO HAPPEN IN KNOXVILLE (Romans 1 16-23)

SF675

Heaven's Gate: Could What Happened in San Diego Happen in Knoxville?

Romans 1:16-23

INTRODUCTION

On March 26,1997, police found the bodies of 39 members of Heaven's Gate cult who had committed mass suicide around the time that the Hale-Bopp comet was closest to earth.

The 21 women and 18 men were found clothed in black and lying on their backs, most with their heads covered by triangular purple shrouds.  Authorities believe they committed suicide in shifts over 15 days. (Washington Post)

Who were these People?

They were a group of well-educated pseudo-intellectuals all looking for "something."

Led by Marshall Applewhite, a former music professor and opera singer.  He called himself "Do."  He claimed to be the embodiment of the same alien being that had inhabited Jesus.

What did they Believe?

They believed that they were inhabited by alien creatures and that the end of the world was coming and that the Hale Bopp comet was the sign.

They thought that by freeing themselves from their human containers they would be free to "go home" with the aliens trailing the comet.

What Happened?

During the days leading up to March 26 the cult members assisted each other in taking their lives.  This corresponded with the comet closest approach to earth.

1A.      They Denied the Truth about Salvation  (16-17)

1B.       Salvation is intended for everyone (16)

Ø                   The Heaven's Gate cult said it was only for those who were occupied by an alien could be saved.  "Looking to us, and desiring to be a part of my Father's Kingdom, can offer to those with deposits that chance to connect with the Level Above Human, and begin that transition." (taken from Do's Purpose)

(John 3:16 NIV)  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2B.       Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone (17)

Ø                 They denied the atonement.  "Part of that "stay blinded" formula goes like this: "Above all, be married, a good parent, a reasonable church goer, buy a house, pay your mortgage, pay your insurance, have a good line of credit, be socially committed, and graciously accept death with the hope that 'through His shed blood,' or some other equally worthless religious precept, you will go to Heaven after your death." (Do's Purpose)

(John 14:6 NIV)  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2A.      They Distorted the Truth about Sin  (18-20)

1B.       God judges all Sin (18)

No where in their writings is sin mentioned.

Paul sets forth three basic sins…

The sin of practical atheism

Ø                   Godlessness = sin against God

The sin of purposeful antagonism

Ø                   Wickedness = primarily a sin against man

Ø                   denies the rule of God

The sin of prideful individualism

Ø                   "Suppress the truth"

2B.       Everyone is Personally Responsible for their own Sin (19-20)

Because God has made Himself known to all mankind!  (19)

Ø                   Plain = to render apparent

Because God has revealed Himself through creation.  (20)

Psalms 8:3  "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,"

Ø                   The witness of nature ... points to an Eternal, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Creator!

3A.      They Deceived Themselves  (21-23)

1B.       By Willfully Rejecting God (21-22)

They refused to honor God

Ø                   "neither glorified"

Ø                   intellectual egotism

They refused to thank God

Ø                   "nor gave thanks"

They relied on their own reasoning

Ø                   "Hearts were darkened" = man has de-evolved spiritually.

Ø                   If you reason from a false premise, you will arrive at a false conclusion.

Ø                   No matter how logical the intervening steps were.

They rationalize their sin (22)

Ø                   Wise = cultured and learned man

Ø                   Foolish = related to the word we get moron from

Psalms 14:1  "... The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."

2B.       By Replacing God with their own Religion (23)

Religion relies on man's ability to get to heaven

Ø                   Whether you follow the "present representative" or are trying to do "good"

Religion replaces a relationship with God with rules.

Ø                   They had to keep Do's rules.

(John 8:32 NIV)  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

(John 8:36 NIV)  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

APPLICATION

Could what happened in San Diego happen in Knoxville?

It already has!

Every day, men and women all over this city are committing suicide - spiritual suicide.

They reject God

Ø                   Reject His Word, His Way and His Will

They rely on religion

Ø                   Because they refuse the relationship

Therefore, they are deceived into believing they are ok.

Jesus said…

(Luke 12:4-5 NIV)  "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  (5)  But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

The Good News is…

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."    (John 10:28 NIV)