The Time Is Near
Stand Alone Messge • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
Introduction:
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There’s an old expression that says it’s time to “face the music”. I came across an article that explains where this phrase came from.
Many years ago, a man wanted to play in the Imperial Orchestra, but he couldn’t play a note. Since he was a person of great wealth and influence, however, he demanded to be allowed to join the orchestra so that he could perform in front of the king. The conductor agreed to let him sit in the second row of the orchestra. Even though he couldn't read music, he was given a flute, and when a concert would begin, he would raise his instrument, pucker his lips, and move his fingers. He went through all the motions of playing, but he never made a sound. This deception went on for two years. Then one day a new conductor took over the Imperial Orchestra. He told the orchestra that he wanted to personally audition all the players to see how well they could play. The audition would weed out all those who did not meet his standards, and he would dismiss them from the orchestra. One by one the players performed in his presence. Frantic with worry when it was his turn, the phony flutist pretended to be sick. The doctor who was ordered to examine him, however, declared that he was perfectly well. The conductor insisted that the man appear and demonstrate his skill. Shamefacedly, the man had to confess that he was a fake. That was the day he had to “face the music.”
Many people go through the motions of the Christian life. They attend church or youth group, recite Bible verses, and say all the right things. In reality, though, they are fakes. A time is coming when everyone will be called to stand before the Judge of Heaven and earth and “face the music.” No one will be able to hide in the crowd. The phonies will be separated from the true players.
Ladies and gentlemen, the time is near. The time is near when the Lord Jesus Christ will make His return! Last week, we celebrated the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. 40 days after His resurrection, He ascended into heaven and promised the He will be returning. That promise was made over 2,000 years ago and as each second, minute, hour, day, month, and year goes by, His return draws closer and closer. This morning, my hope and prayer is that you see and hear that the words of the Lord are trustworthy, that His return is soon, and that you are invited to come live in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ forever and always.
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you, your brothers the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; let the holy still be holy.”
“Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.
(Prayer)
The Words of Jesus Christ Are Faithful and Trustworthy:
The Words of Jesus Christ Are Faithful and Trustworthy:
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
Keyword: MUST!
The context in these verses are stating that the words from the prophecies in the book of Revelation will indeed come to pass. When Jesus returns, He is known as Faithful and True.
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The principle of Him being Faithful and True can be applied throughout the entire bible.
For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in him. Therefore, through him we also say “Amen” to the glory of God.
Many promises of the Lord have come to pass! Just some examples:
Joseph’s Dream (Genesis 37-50)
Israel Freed From Slavery (Exodus)
Israel Enters The Promise Land (Joshua)
David Becoming King (1st and 2nd Samuel)
Solomon Building the Temple (1st and 2nd Kings, 1st and 2nd Chronicles)
The Captivity and Freedom of Israel Form Babylon (Jeremiah, Daniel)
The 1st Coming of Jesus Christ (Entire Bible)
“If the Lord has been faithful in these promises, then we can trust that He will be faithful with the rest of His promises.”
Jesus is Coming Soon!
Jesus is Coming Soon!
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
“Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work.
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Is He really coming?
Above all, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days scoffing and following their own evil desires, saying, “Where is his ‘coming’ that he promised? Ever since our ancestors fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation.” They deliberately overlook this: By the word of God the heavens came into being long ago and the earth was brought about from water and through water. Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded. By the same word, the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
“The Lord’s delay in His return is out of love, grace, and mercy.”
He is being patient because the Lord will repay each of us for our works. What exactly does this mean?
He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness. There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For there is no favoritism with God.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Come!
Come!
Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
The Holy Spirit wants us to know the truth and my hope and prayer is that He is revealing the truth to you this morning.
We as the bride (the church) are desperately saying to those who are lost, COME! Our desire, just like the Lord’s, is to see everyone come to repentance. We don’t want to see you drifting away from the Lord.
If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.
Closing:
Closing:
“Come to the water, all who are thirsty, come and drink! Come to the table, all who are hungry, come and feast! Those who are needy, come and see! Come to the river, taste and see! Oh my soul thirsts for you and you alone!”
(Prayer)