July 27, 2008 by PastorDave.

#321, The Last Tomorrow, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday, 07-27-2008

Text: Matthew 24:42-44

INTRODUCTION

1. A father looked out the window and began to frantically call out instructions to his family. Quick, shut off the TV’s, dust off the family bible, put these magazines away.
2. The cause was that he saw his pastor had pulled up and this was a surprise visit!
3. If the condition of our homes when an unexpected visitor arrives can cause such embarrassment, how much more concerned should we be about the condition of our lives in light of Jesus’ return?
4. The disciples asked Jesus an incredible question once, “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Jesus is coming again-foundational truth-hope)
5. Jesus responded by saying, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…There will be famines and earthquakes…All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:4-8)
6. Let me give you some signs and you give me what they mean:
   1. First robin on your front yard
   2. Changing of the leaves
   3. When leaves turn their back in the wind
   4. When sheep gather in a huddle, tomorrow we will have a puddle.
7. Jesus gave us four signs to look for:
   1. Come in my name: since 1799- 20 people have claimed to be the incarnate Jesus Christ. (hold up 1992 USA Today)
   2. Wars: estimated: more than 14,000 wars with approx. 3.6 billion killed
   3. Famines: 2 worst famines ever recorded took place in China & India from 1876-1879 claiming 12-17 million lives (26,000 children a day die for lack of food)
   4. Earthquakes: 1556 China killed 830,000, 2004 in the Indian Ocean 300,000.

Transition: How does Jesus’ return personally affect my life?

Quote: “Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.” -Martin Luther-

PERSONAL POSITION

1. You are in one of three categories: Disciple/Doubtful/Deceived
2. Disciple = the picture of a disciple is found in Acts 2, where Scripture declares that 3,000 people repented of their sins and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation. V.42 goes on to describe what they did next, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
3. Doubtful = this is a person who has made a confession with their mouth but lives in doubt with their relationship to the Lord. This is because they have embraced the idea of Jesus but the practices of their life have not changed.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 – “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
5. If you have prayed a prayer but still embrace any of these (willfully practice them) you are in danger! Because Jesus is coming again.
6. Deceived = this is a person who thinks they are going to enter into heaven but they are in for a big surprise.
7. Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven…Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord…Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!”
8. According to Jesus many people live deceived, their hearts have grown hard, their motives are selfish and even though they display a religious performance, they don’t know Jesus and the sobering thing is that they think they do!
9. Only one of these categories is safe. Are you a disciple, doubtful, deceived?
10. Matthew 24:44 – “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

POSITION OF THOSE UNDER YOUR CARE

1. The father of an 18 yr. old son was frustrated with his son. He had invested much time and effort in training his son to live a Godly life, and now his son was turning toward the world and influencing his brothers & sisters to do the same.
2. In talking with the son he revealed that his dad did indeed invest much in his life; however the father neglected to talk to his son about salvation and his need to repent and place his trust in Jesus Christ.
3. He took for granted the fact that his children would accept Jesus as their Savior.
4. We must prepare for Jesus’ return by faithfully sharing the Gospel with our children until each one repents and is saved!

PERSPECTIVE OF TIME

1. 1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled…”
2. Romans 14:12 – “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
3. Ephesians 5:15, 16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
4. 2 Corinthians 5:10 - “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
5. “Hours of boredom or useless amusement reveal that we have no concept of God’s cut-off date with history, when we must give an account of every minute.”
6. “The hour of Christ’s return will remain a mystery, but our readiness for it should be an ever present fact.”
7. Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”

CLOSING

1. In the beginning God created the heavens & the earth (world changing catastrophic event)
2. Worldwide flood in Noah’s day (world changing catastrophic event)
3. The birth of Jesus Christ
4. The death of Jesus Christ
5. The resurrection of Jesus Christ
6. The next world changing catastrophic event is the return of Jesus Christ!
7. Are you personally ready; are those under your care ready, are you redeeming the time?
8. ALTAR CALL
   1. Repent
   2. Confess wrong life practices
   3. Hard heart
   4. Young people/children – to repent and place your full trust in Jesus Christ
   5. Redeem whatever time you have left to being the greatest disciple of Jesus Christ you can.

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July 27, 2008 by admin.

JOIN US TODAY

• WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ
  • Pastor Dave McIntosh will preach the Word of God: “The Last Tomorrow” (Matthew 24:4-8)
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
• GOSPEL EXPLOSION SERVICE at 6:30 PM
  • Invited your unsaved family and friends to see the movie: The Lazarus Phenomenon.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
• TUESDAY
  • 6:30 PM—Prayer
  • 7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  • Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 up to K)
  • Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
  • Royal Rangers (boy’s clubs, K-12)
  • Adults & Impact Youth Ministries
    • John Bevere DVD series: Honor’s Reward
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

• MINISTRY OF JOY Adult Fellowship meets this Saturday, August 2, noon until 2:30, in the Fellowship Hall. All adults are invited to participate in this great time of food, fellowship, worship, and sharing. If you plan to eat lunch with the group, please bring a dish to share. We look forward to seeing you!
• THANK YOU FROM CARENET! The Baby Bottle Fundraiser has brought in over $1,300 from Leominster Assembly! Thank you for faithfully supporting our local Pregnancy Resource Center. If you’re still filling your baby bottle or would like to get one to fill (at the Welcome Center), you can bring it in at any time. Also, if you would like to receive the monthly e-newsletter, you can subscribe by visiting: www.carenetfitchburg.net.
• MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY! Media Ministries needs YOU! Help is needed—especially for duplication. If you can volunteer some time to help each week or even occasionally, please connect with Robin Labrousse, Ann Chester, or Pastor Rafael.
• WE NEED PEOPLE TO HELP US with the Church Picnic on Sunday, August 24 (Ripple Beach at Sunset Lake in Ashburn-ham). There is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center that lists all areas in which we need help. Check it out today.
• A WATER BAPTISM SERVICE will be held at the Church Picnic. Please fill out an application card at the Welcome Center if you desire to be baptized in water (turn in the card at the Welcome Center, in the offering, or at the church office). A class will be held the morning of the 24th, 10:00-10:50, which you should make plans to attend.
• THE DISTRICT MUSIC CONFERENCE will be held Saturday, September 20, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, in Agawam. The cost is $25/person and $15/student. Registrations must be in early. If you would like to attend, please see Pastor Rafael to sign up and pay. We will be taking the church van.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK

• Christians in Action (Proiettis)—Tuesday, 7:00 PM
• Branches of Messiah (Wheelers)—Wednesday, 6:30 PM
• Women of Faith (Telliers)—Friday, 10:00 AM
• Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. You are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

• The library, located next to the Youth Chapel, is open:
• Sunday: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
• Wednesday: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night ministries

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

• Original Loan Amount: $600,000
• Paid Down from Church Budget: 53,587
• Total Offerings, 6/07 - 7/08: 91,888
• Current Loan Balance: $454,525
• Average Monthly Offerings: $6,683
• At an average $9500/month extra applied each month, the loan should be paid off by Aug 2011.

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• A young woman in the church is looking for work. She has almost 10 years experience in the accounting and credit department areas. If you know of anything, please e-mail her at mkeylida@yahoo.com.
• A sister in Christ is seeking a home with the same. If you can help, please call the church office with reference Judy. God bless you!
• A man in the church needs transportation from Fitchburg to work in Ashburnham. Also, the construction firm he works for is hiring. If you’d like more information or could help, please call the church office.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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July 27, 2008 by PastorMark.

I believe we are living in the season of the Lord’s return. The signs spoken of by Jesus and the prophets continue to unfold before our eyes. Jesus prepares us for these days by giving “advanced warnings” concerning trials and perilous times to come. So that we would not be afraid or discouraged, He said, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19, KJV). To go through difficult trials takes much patience and perseverance. As Christians we don’t have to panic because patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which God is so willing to share with His children. No matter how chaotic the world becomes, we can walk in peace and perseverance through the power of Jesus!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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