The Plowman

 

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An exposition of Revelation 21:9-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 30, 2008.

Introduction
You’ve seen the commercial.  Two “good old boys” in a beat up aluminum boat in the middle of a quiet lake.  One is reeling in a prize-winning catch.  The other is opening a cooler filled with ice-cold beer.  Then comes the line – “Life just doesn’t get any better than this.”  Life on a quiet lake with the fish biting and plenty of cold beer may be some folk’s idea of heaven but not mine!  If that’s all we had to look forward to I wouldn’t be all that motivated or encouraged.

According to the Scripture there is a glorious existence waiting beyond this veil of tears.  The Bible says, “This world is not our home.”  We are merely pilgrims here.  Our home is in heaven.  Our citizenship is in glory.  That is the believer’s hope.  It has comforted and encouraged the hearts of the saint through the centuries.  In times of heartache and trouble the believer looks up!  We are reminded to lift our thoughts beyond this present world to the world to come.  That is not escapist – it is the life of faith.

We’ve been called to heavenly-mindedness. Called to dwell on that which is to come rather than that which is destined to pass. It is at times hard to recognize but this life is a temporary stop over.

As a political prisoner, John walked the rocky shores of Patmos.  It was there on the Lord’s Day he was taken to glory and given a glimpse of what was to come.  He was told to write down what he saw and heard.  Thus we are given a glimpse of eternity.

Chapter 4 = a door standing open in heaven, “Come up here!” God firmly seated on the throne of the universe – unquestioned, unchallenged. John experienced the worship of the heavenly beings and the elders.

Chapter 5 = the Lion of Judah, the Lamb slaughtered. The one empowered to take the scroll and unfold history. Again – and explosion of praise and worship.

Chapter 20 = the demise of Satan the old serpent and the final judgment.

Chapter 21 = life for those who enter into glory.

Our text this morning is found in Revelation chapter 21 beginning with verse 9.
Text: Revelation 21:9-27

This is an extraordinary vision – a sight beyond description.  This is a familiar passage.  One that has inspired countless artist and musicians with streets of gold and gates of pearl.  But look carefully.  There is something more significant here than meets the eye.

Thesis: The revelation of the New Jerusalem provides us insight into the character and the heart of our God.

Look beyond the description of the city and learn something of its architect and builder. The logical question is, “Is this literal?”  Maybe, maybe not.  Now, hold on, I do believe in a “literal” interpretation of the Bible.  The Bible is literally literarily true meaning it is to be understood literally as it is intended.  A metaphor is a metaphor.  A picture is a picture.  The book of Revelation is highly symbolic to force a wooden literalism on it would be a mistake.  That in no way takes away from the beauty and splendor of heaven. Keep in mind John is struggling to find words adequate to describe what he saw.

I’m convinced that heaven will be far more glorious than any of us have ever imagined! I’m certainly not going to be disappointed if this is not a literal description.

As we walk through this passage, I want us to draw some conclusions about the architect.

I. The glory of the holy city and its massive walls reflect the majesty of God and the unity of His people.  (21:9-14)

As the city descends John is struck by the brilliance of the city. “Having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.”

There is this diamond-like quality about the city as it descends. Picking up light and reflecting it in a dazzling display of color. The word “glory” is the word “doxa” – doxology = worship, honor. Heaven is a place where the glory and majesty of God is constantly reflected.

By the way, none of these materials are brilliant in the dark! This is what concerns me about so much of the talk of heaven.  Attention is given to the glory of the materials without understanding if God is not there – there is no brilliance.  If God is not present, there is no glory!

John describes the massive walls – symbolic of protection and security.

II. The magnitude and beauty of the holy city reflect God’s perfection and His extravagant love.  (21:15-21)

This is where it gets interesting to me. The angel giving John the guided tour pulls out a measuring rod.

The first thing we note is the city is laid out in a perfect cube. Equal in length, depth and height. Perfectly symmetrical, perfectly balanced, reflecting the perfect unity of the Godhead.

If you remember the holy of holies was also a perfect cube. Note the dimensions: 1200 stadia = 1500 miles. 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide and 1500 miles high! That’s 2,250,000 square miles – now that’s a big city. Roughly – Florida to Maine to Minneapolis to Houston.

Now if you take this measurement as literal – there is plenty of room for everyone in heaven.  Because 2,250,000 square miles on the ground and 1500 miles up from there gives you a total of 375,000,000 cubic miles enough room to easily accommodate 100 billion people.  It is estimated that 30 billion people have lived on earth over earth’s history.

The point = the graciousness of God. His inclusive love. God made adequate provision for a great, unnumbered host!

When you note the materials used, this was no budget job! No cinder blocks and no shag carpet. Apparently God doesn’t work with a finance committee. This is reflective of God’s wild, extravagant love.

III. The inhabitants of the holy city reveals God’s abundant grace.  (21:22-27)

As John catches his breathe, he is a bit surprised as he realizes there is no temple. The temple was the focal point for the Jew. When a Jew was away from Jerusalem, he long to see the temple again. The temple was the place to meet with God. It was the place of worship and celebration. It dominated the landscape – no temple? How could that be?

But there will be no need – the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb will be its temple. The presence of God will fill the city. His radiant glory is everywhere present.

Man will be restored in his relationship with God. The fall will be reversed. Nothing impure will ever enter. Sin and death are done away with.

Heaven will be a place of indescribable beauty and grandeur.  But more importantly it will be a life lived in the presence of the living God.

 

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An exposition of Jeremiah 33:17-26. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 23, 2008.

Introduction
Do you remember when you were a kid how hard it was to wait for something you really wanted? I remember going on vacation and we would be driving to Arizona or Florida and I’m sure it was before we even got out of town I began to ask, “Are we almost there?” Zac used to ask, as we would be on the way home from a trip, “’most home yet?” Children can be impatient. And some of us never grow out of it! Have you ever promised someone you would do something and then they hound you about when you’re going to get it done? You keep reassuring them and they keep asking. You find yourself getting a little irritated and you want to say, “Did I say I would do it? Then I’m going to do it – now back off!” But when the shoe is on the other foot and you are the one awaiting the promise you are just as impatient. And it gets much worse if you are waiting for something that is critical to you. Have you noticed doctors and hospitals have a completely different system for telling time? They are never in a hurry and it always, “This is something we really need to take care of so I’m scheduling you for next October.” If it is critical to my well being I don’t want to wait. I want to see some action now.

The army of Babylon had surrounded Jerusalem for 3 years. Things were desperate. They were dismantling their homes in order to reinforce the walls of the city. Even the palace of the king was being ransacked in the effort. The nation has turned a deaf ear to the warnings of God through the prophet Jeremiah and now when defeat and destruction are imminent they suddenly become “Bible scholars.” “God how can you let this happen? You’ve made promises are you going to fail us now?” I would laugh if it were not so tragic. I would launch into a scathing rebuke of the citizens of Judah were it not for the fact their attitude strikes too close to home. Have you ever felt that God has failed you? Do the troubles of life ever seem to cast shadows of doubt on God’s promises? Do you ever struggle with whether or not God is doing all He said He would do? If you say, “No” we need to talk because you are living in denial! When times are difficult and you are hard-pressed on every side you are going to falter. It is part of the “struggle of faith.” It comes with living in a fallen world and the fact that you are in the process of being made holy. God speaks to the prophet Jeremiah about His promise and His faithfulness. As we listen in we learn some valuable truths related to living by faith in less than favorable circumstances. Our text is found in Jeremiah chapter 33 beginning with verse 17.

Text: Jeremiah 33:17-26

Make sure you set this in context. Jeremiah had said this day was coming.
He told them Babylon would take the city. He also said that the king would be taken in exile and would die in Babylon. You are watching all of this come into reality. What’s going to happen to the kingdom once the king is gone? That was a very real worry.

Sometimes we worry about things not worth worrying about – but that is not the case here. This was a justifiable worry. You see God made a promise to David. Now the word on the street was that God had failed. David’s dynasty was coming to an end. So God called Jeremiah in for a little conference. And from this encounter we discover that…

Thesis: God responds to the troubled, questioning heart with a firm yet reaffirming reminder of His grace and faithfulness.

I want to just point out three things quickly.

I. God’s promise questioned. (33:23-26)
God says to His prophet – “Have you heard what the people are saying?” Do you understand what their questioning implies? They are saying that I have rejected the two clans I have chosen. The word “rejected” = cast off, scorned or treated with contempt. How could they accuse God of that? God says they have “despised” my people. The word means = to provoke or blaspheme (to speak evil of).

Are they thinking clearly? First you have to look at what God promised - that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ 1 King 2:4

Do you remember what God had said earlier in Jeremiah 22:29-30:

O land, land, land,
hear the word of the LORD!
Thus says the LORD:
Write this man down as childless,
a man who shall not succeed in his days,
for none of his offspring shall succeed
in sitting on the throne of David
and ruling again in Judah.

Our problem is that we have a selective memory. We remember promises while forgetting obligations. We cling to privileges while ignoring responsibility. God is not obligated to do anything for them. They have repeatedly and flagrantly violated the covenant. Yet God is gracious even with these harden rebels. Keep in mind this is before there is any repentance!

There are times when we fail to recognize God’s grace towards us. Times when we feel slighted, overlooked or wronged. But the truth is we have it far better than we deserve and it is all by the grace of God.

Let’s back up and look at God’s response to this questioning attitude.

II. God’s promise restated. (33:17-18)
Context! He is still discussing “the branch” (33:14-16). Note – “a man” to sit on the throne…a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings…” The Branch will fulfill God’s promise to David of an eternal kingdom. Messiah’s coming will also mean the covenant with Levi will be kept. The Lord Jesus serves as both priest and king. He is the son of David; He is a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

But do you sometimes wonder? Do you sometimes struggle with whether or not God has failed you? Are there times when the cares and sorrows of life are overwhelming? Times when your grief clouds your vision and faith is stretched to its limits? He is faithful to His word. Just how faithful is He? Look at this next section.

III. God’s promise assured. (33:19-22)
How certain is God’s promise? About as certain as the sun coming up in the morning! It He isn’t faithful – it won’t matter the world will come to an end. It you (sinful, fallen, rebellious man) can stop the sun from shining then I guess I could break my word. Translation – it isn’t going to happen.

Did the message take with Jeremiah? Well listen to his testimony from Lamentations 3:22-23:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

The next time your heart is burdened or your faith is stretched beyond measure tune your ear to His voice and hear His firm yet reaffirming reminder of His grace and faithfulness.

 

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An exposition of Revelation 21:1-8. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 23, 2008.

Introduction:
Have you ever wanted to start all over? Have you ever wished that everything would just go away and you could start fresh? I’ve had that feeling many times. Sometimes in the middle of a sermon! There is something in the heart of man that longs for a second chance. The opportunity to do it over. The chance to begin again. Haven’t you said, “If I just had it to do over again?” But life doesn’t work like that. Our actions have consequences. But there is coming a time when everything will be made new. Life will begin again. That is the hope of the child of God. And that is what John catches a glimpse of in Revelation chapter 21.

Text: Revelation 21:1-8

Since the time of Plato philosophers and poets have pondered the ideal world. Wondering what the ideal world would be like. What institutions would it have and how could such a world be achieved? Sir Thomas Moore spoke of “Utopia.” He referred to it as a world free of trouble, anxiety and need. It would be a world in which laws were no longer needed as each citizen cared about the welfare and happiness of his neighbor. All would freely share with any who were in need. It is interesting to note that the word “utopia” is a compound word from the Greek language. “Ou” meaning “no” or “note” and “topos” meaning “place.” Utopia is no place – no such place exists! Yet the heart of man yearns for it. The Old Testament prophets fanned the flames of our desire through passages like Isaiah 25:6-8, and Isaiah 65:17-19, 25. John, the beloved was exiled to the isle of Patmos. The Church of Asia Minor was the victim of intense persecution. One Lord’s Day John was caught up into heaven and given a vision of what must take place.

In chapter 4 he saw the throne of heaven and someone sitting on that throne. He experienced the worship of the elders and the heavenly beings.
He heard the same song Isaiah had heard hundreds of years before. Then he beheld the Lord Jesus – the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah. Again there was a spontaneous explosion of worship and celebration around the throne.

He witnessed the intense struggle between the forces of God and the devil. In chapter 20 John sees the destruction of Satan and the judgment of the dead. Chapter 20 ends with the horrifying reality that those whose names are not found written in the “book of life” will be cast into the lake of fire. Those who have spurned the gracious offer of life must stand on their own merit. Because all sin and fall short of the glory of God, their fate is sealed. Death. Eternal death. As the smoke and fire of chapter 20 clears John is given a glorious vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Let’s look at it.

This passage reminds us of a glorious truth:

Thesis: Heaven is a place of new beginnings.

There are three great truths in this passage that I want us to note this morning.

I. In the eternal state the earth will be gloriously transformed. (21:1-2)

Chapter 21 marks the beginning of the eternal state. John sees a new heaven and a new earth. Earth was originally created to be man’s permanent home. It was there in the Garden of Eden that Adam walked with God. It was a Paradise. It was a perfect environment.

But then sin and death entered the world and transformed the earth into a place of rebellion and alienation. The earth became enemy-occupied territory. But God has been working in redemptive history to reverse all the effects of sin!

There are two words for “new” used in the New Testament. “Neos” = new in time. That is the latest version of something. The word used in Revelation 21 is “kainos” = new in quality. It means fresh, renewed or renovated.
John did not witness the birth of earth 2 – but the renovation of the earth.

What earth is John talking about? The Greek word is “ge” – geography, geology. A transformation of this physical earth (so much for gnosticism).

Verse 2 announces the arrival of the New Jerusalem. God’s gift – given to his people – not earned or deserved. A bride – beautifully dressed (you never see an ugly bride). The earth will be gloriously transformed.

II. In Heaven sinful man will be fully restored in his relationship with God. (21:3-4)

As beautiful and wonderful as I think heaven is going to be the real beauty and the thing that makes it heaven is the presence of God and our being united with him!

21:3-4 = this is the goal of redemption. The word “dwelling place” = tabernacle. This is the fulfillment of Lev 26:11-13. What did God give to Moses at Mt. Sinai? The Law and the tabernacle! To dwell = to be at home with. This is not just co-existence. This is sweet communion. Heaven is a place of restored relationship.

III. In Heaven we will enjoy a blessed reward. (21:5-8)

Again the voice of God thunders from the throne, “I am making everything new…it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”
This is an affirmation of His sovereignty. He is the originator and the concluder. The creator and the finisher.

21:6-7 promise a great reward for those who are faithful conquerors. But note 21:8 – the news isn’t good for everyone. Cowardly = the fearful, those who make a profession but prove to be false professors. The faithless/the unbelieving = those who deny the faith The detestable = those polluted by sin. Murderers = especially those who have persecuted The sexually immoral = all forms of sexual perversion Sorcerers, idolaters and all liars Their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur – the second death. Forever excluded from the enjoyment of God’s presence and grace.

Who will be in heaven? The humblest sinner who repents and trusts in Christ and Christ alone.

In the eternal state the earth will be gloriously transformed. In Heaven sinful man will be fully restored in his relationship with God. In Heaven we will enjoy a blessed reward.

Because - Heaven is a place of new beginnings.

 

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An exposition of James 5:7-11. This message by guest preacher Reverend Bob Post was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 16, 2008.

 

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This message by guest preacher, Reverend Bob Post was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 16, 2008.

 

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An exposition of Jeremiah 33:10-16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 9, 2008.

Introduction:
How do you handle bad news? Are you the type that takes a deep breath and then carefully, strategically begins to map out a plan of action? Do you take bad news in stride and say, “This is the hand we are dealt – let’s deal with it?” Or would you say Chicken Little has nothing on you? For you bad news brings on full panic? Or maybe you’re the type that quietly retreats inwardly thinking, “if I ignore it – it might just go away.” Whether you are the type to wither at the first sign of trouble or you’re the type that would charge hell with a water pistol – given enough bad news we all have a breaking point. It could not have been worse than it already was for Judah. Jeremiah had warned them for 4 decades. He told them repeatedly their sin would find them out. God will not be mocked. You cannot ignore Him and not experience His judgment. Unless you repent His judgment will come and it will be devastating. But his preaching fell on deaf ears. Now the time of judgment had come. Nebuchadnezzar’s army had surrounded the city. Siege walls were built. Jeremiah is in jail. After 3 years under siege the citizens of Jerusalem have resorted to tearing down their own houses in order to reinforce the city walls. Not even the palace of the king was spared. Times were tough. They were about to enter into 70 years of exile. Jerusalem would be destroyed. The temple would be burned – its treasures taken to Babylon. The holy city would be a wasteland. Broken, demoralized and disheartened the people were ready to lay down and die when they received an extraordinary word from God. Our text this evening is found in Jeremiah chapter 33 beginning with verse 10.

Text: Jeremiah 33:10-16
We are in the “good news” section of Jeremiah’s prophecy. That section that tells of the “new covenant” that God is going to make with His people. In the opening verses we find some of that “new math.” You know – that math that doesn’t exactly add up. 33:5-9 – what? The things in 33:5 do not seem to go with the “Behold…” of verse 6.

Just when you are expecting the “finishing blow” God speaks of grace and mercy. This is not in response to repentance and faith – this is God’s choosing to be merciful. This is unmerited favor in the ultimate sense. This is God’s being faithful to His promise even when Judah was unfaithful to hers.

Thesis: Jeremiah 33:10-16 provides a powerful reminder of God’s gracious dealings with His wayward children. Let me point out just two things quickly from this text.

I. To downtrodden, discouraged and defeated followers God promises an amazing reversal of fortunes. (33:10-13)
This is an amazing thing because God promises to reverse the reversal in verse 11. “I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, says the Lord.” He is going to put things back as they once were. Before He brought this judgment on them. This is not cheap grace. This is not an immediate fix. They are going into exile. They will stay 70 years – but they will be kept as a people and restored to their land.

God will be gracious but there is a price to pay – look at how Judah and Jerusalem are described in verse 10 – “a waste without man or beast, in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man or inhabitant or beast…”

The same thing is repeated in verse 12.

• There will be an end to joy and laughter.
• There will be an end to the joy of weddings and celebrations.
• There will be an end to economic prosperity.

But he promises three things in this passage:

• He promised to turn sorrow and mourning into gladness and joy – 33:10-11.
• Further He promises to bring praise and thanksgiving out of bitterness and loss – 33:11.
• Finally God promised that out of economic chaos and depression would come a thriving economy – 33:12-13

II. To a demoralized and shepherdless people God promises a good and righteous king. (33:14-16) Jeremiah joins the other prophets in telling of the coming of the Lord’s Christ or the Messiah. This is the basis for all those other promises. The blessings of God are yes and amen in Christ.

This will come about in those days of peace and prosperity. Not in the midst of hardship and struggle. Interestingly – in a time when shepherds are in the fields about Jerusalem and the land of Benjamin.

A righteous Branch will spring up for David and note “he” shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

This is in keeping with the other promises:

• “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 23:5
• In that day the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. Isaiah 4:2
• There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1
• Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. Zechariah 3:8
• And say to him, Thus says the LORD of hosts, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. Zechariah 6:12

Jeremiah 33:10-16 provides a powerful reminder of God’s gracious dealings with His wayward children.

 

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Taken from Luke 15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening November 5, 2008.

 

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An exposition of Revelation 20:11-15. This message by pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist church on Sunday morning, November 9, 2008.

Introduction:
It was agonizing. I had to just sit there. That big clock on the wall kept ticking. I heard every click as the minute hand inched its way toward the top of the hour. I was sweating. My throat was dry. It seemed it was getting hard to breath. And he just kept me waiting. I started to leave but that wouldn’t help. That would only mean more trouble. I was in enough trouble as it was. It was not my first offense. And you know what they say, “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” I had thrown the rock and now I must face the music. But how long would Mr. Layton keep me waiting? There is only so much a third-grader can take! There is something about the knowledge that you’ve been “caught.” You’re guilty. You know it. The authorities know it. Everyone knows it. And you are waiting for the day of reckoning. It is a sobering thing. The problem is so many seem to think they’ve gotten away with it. They are not concerned because as far as they can tell no one has the “goods on them.” So they continue to live a life free of worry or fear. Talk of a cosmic judge before whom they must give an account of their life is a fairytale, something for children and simple-minded folk to fear but not them. But even a casual walk through the Scripture reveals there is coming a day of reckoning. Judgment Day will come. Deny it all you like. Scoff if you will. But the facts will not change. One day every man, woman, boy and girl will stand before the Creator of the universe and give an account for their life. I know this is not a popular subject. I understand people don’t want to hear it, they would prefer to hear something more “practical.” But I would suggest that if it is true there is a day of reckoning then there is nothing more practical than for you to hear about it and prepare for it.

The people of God were oppressed and persecuted. The government of Rome had mandated the worship of the Roman Emperor as god. Because they refused to acknowledge Caesar as lord – Christians lost their jobs, had their home confiscated, their possessions taken from them, they were imprisoned, tortured and executed. They cried out, “How long O Sovereign Lord before you do something?” Rome was marching on. The Church was being destroyed. “How long?” John, the beloved apostle, was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day when he was given a vision of things to come. He was told to write what he heard and saw and send it to the churches. Thus we have the book of Revelation. Its purpose was to encourage and inspire. It was meant to bring hope and courage to a struggling people. Through its vivid images and fantastic pictures it reveals God’s working in history. It puts forth the victorious Lamb of God who has conquered. It tells of the epic struggle between the church and the dragon (who is Satan or the devil). And it boldly sets forth God’s sovereign rule over all of history. History is marching toward its predetermined end. Satan will be destroyed. The kingdoms of this earth will fail. The people of God will persevere. And the Kingdom of God will be established. Chapter 19 tells of the return of Christ. Chapter 20 tells of the defeat of Satan. And then 2 we come to this scene of Divine Judgment. Our text this morning is found in the 20th chapter of the Revelation beginning with verse 11.

Text: Revelation 20:11-15
When you read the New Testament a clear pattern reveals itself. There talk is of “this age” and “the age to come.” What is also clear is that the thing that separates these 2 ages is the return of Christ. And when He comes – judgment is carried out – Mt 13:36-43; 25:31-46 Here we have John’s description of that judgment. John with an economy of words sets forth a clear and succinct statement of that judgment. Every word carries weight. It is a simple yet sobering message. As we work our way through this text we will discover that…

Thesis: The vision of Revelation 20:11-15 warns of the certainty, the severity and the personal nature of God’s final judgment.

God’s judgment is certain, severe and personal. I want to quickly point out three things.

I. This text is a sobering reminder that we all will stand before the Sovereign Judge of all the earth and give an account. (20:11)

This is an awesome sight. It is intended to make your knees buckle. This is the God before we will stand and give an account. You can’t laugh it off. You can’t ignore it. It is certain and it is personal – you will give an account.

II. God’s sovereign judgment will be holy, righteous and true. (20:12-13)

Let this scene soak in. “I saw the dead…standing before the throne…” “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them…”

Do you get this picture? The dead – what dead? All those who’ve walked the planet! All of those who’ve lived since the curse was placed on humanity in the Garden. They have been raised to life and given new bodies to face the judgment. They all stand before that “great white throne” to give an account.

Did you notice that phrase in verse 13 – “and they were judged, each one of them according to what they had done.”

One day we’ll all stand before God and give an account. His judgment will be holy, right and true. And there is one other thing…

III. God’s sovereign judgment will be final and irrevocable. (20:14-15)

These are sobering words. They do not need any amplification or explanation.

So what have we learned? Christ is coming again. When He comes there will be a day of reckoning. We will stand before Him to give an account for our lives. What is patently clear is that, left to ourselves, we are in big trouble. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And the wages of our sin is death. No exceptions.

What you must understand is this – your sin must be dealt with. You are left with a choice. You can hold onto your sin and thus face God on your own and you pay the price for your rebellion or you take your sin to the cross of Christ. Either you will pay or Christ will pay. One way or the other your sin will be dealt with. You did note didn’t you there was more than 1 book? In addition to the book that contains your thoughts and actions – there was the book of life.

Those cast into the lake of fire are those whose names were not found in that book. How do you get your name in the book of life? Your repent of your sin and you trust in Christ and Him alone. Christ died in order to bring us to God. The just for the unjust. His righteousness laid to our account. Our sin placed on Him. To be “in Christ” is to be pure and spotless in God’s sight. Rather than a lake of fire there awaits the redeemed a new Heaven and a new Earth. A life of glory, peace and grace in the presence of God himself.

There is a day of reckoning. We will stand before the judge of all the earth and give an account. His judgment will be holy, right and just. And His judgment is final and irrevocable.

Are you prepared for that day?

 

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A Wednesday evening message by Pastor Rod Harris, delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on October 29, 2008, taken from Matthew 20:1-16.

 

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An exposition of Jeremiah 33:1-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 2, 2008.

Introduction:
Do you like secrets? I remember when our kids were little I use to love to say, “Come here I need to tell you something.” And then whisper something in their ear. And I would say, “Now don’t tell anyone.” Of course they couldn’t wait to tell anyone who would listen! I don’t think we ever grow out of that. If there is anything better than hearing a secret – it’s telling a secret! “Now I’m going to tell you this but you can’t say anything about this to anyone because I promised so and so that I wouldn’t tell anyone.” Now then, that ought to get me out of any further pastoral counseling. I’m kidding I know how to keep a confidence but you know what I’m talking about. There is just something about us – secrets like to be told. And the greater the secret the greater the need to tell. Jeremiah the prophet found himself in jail. He was there because his sermon really got him in some hot water. He really upset the king with that sermon about Babylon destroying Jerusalem and carrying off the king. Oh yeah and the king was going to die down in Babylon. The king was not thrilled with that particular sermon. Then Jeremiah got involved in that land deal. The one where he bought the old family farm that was currently occupied by the enemy. There went 17 shekels down the drain. He had second thoughts the minute he made the deal. Yes God told him to do it but it just seemed silly. Maybe he misunderstood. What was God’s response? “Oh I’m sorry Jeremiah do you think that’s out of my league? Are you worried that obeying me might be stupid?” Jeremiah decided that God could be trusted and that he probably did need to question Him any further. Now he is still in jail and the Lord comes to him a second time. You know I think every time Jeremiah heard God’s voice he got a knot in his stomach. Our text this evening is found in Jeremiah chapter 33.

You see the context? He is still shut up in the court of the guard. The Babylonians have the city surrounded. Jerusalem is under siege.

Jeremiah’s prophecies are coming to pass but that is of little comfort. He was not interested in being vindicated at this point. His homeland, his country was on the verge of destruction. His countrymen will be exiled to Babylon. 70 years of judgment await them. This is not a moment of rejoicing. Jeremiah was not jumping up and down in his cell saying, “I was right. I was right.” He is in mourning. Further he is in jail with the threat of death hanging over him when his only crime was being faithful. He had all kinds of questions. That’s when God showed up. As we make our way through these opening verses of chapter 33 I want us to note…

Thesis: When weighed down by worry, doubt and fear God’s servant finds peace and rest in God’s troubling yet comforting revelation.

Follow along as we learn three things from Jeremiah’s experience.

I. The Sovereign Lord welcomes the questioning heart in pursuit of answers. (33:1-3)

Wait a minute pastor – are you contradicting what you said a couple of weeks ago about Jeremiah second-guessing? No not at all. The problem back in chapter 32 was not one of misunderstanding or uncertainty it was a matter of doubt. Jeremiah knew what God said. He knew what he was supposed to do but he began to doubt. God simply reminded him that nothing was impossible for God.

In this instance Jeremiah is confused. There are things he does not know. And God comes to him and says, “Ask me!” “Call to me and I will answer you.”

The point is you don’t have to hide your fears or your questions before God. He welcomes the questioning heart. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you is the promise of the Lord Jesus. Our Lord commands us to come when we are weak and heavy burdened. When we are overwhelmed with cares. We are assured that we will find rest for our souls. He bids you come. But let me be honest with you…

II. God’s answer may be uncomfortable and unsettling. (33:4-5)

One of the great and unsearchable truths that God reveals to Jeremiah is that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed and he does not sugarcoat the message it is vivid and ugly! He paints the picture of a gruesome sight. Look at it in verses 4-5.

Not a pretty sight. But a reminder even the strongest city cannot withstand the judgment of God. Further an assumed relationship with God is not guarantee of safety. There is a fine line between faith in God and presumption upon God. “We are God’s chosen people – we are safe.”

What was God’s assessment of the city? “I have hidden my face from this city because of all their evil.” 33:5

We need to be careful – if we ask God – He may answer! And the answer may not be what you are expecting or what you want to hear.

But mark this down – it is worth hearing. God’s wrath against sin is great and unsearchable. God’s holiness demands sin be dealt with. God’s wrath is merely the outworking of His holiness with regards to sin and rebellion.

Here is the bottom line – there are only two things you can do with your sin.
You can hold onto it and face God and suffer the punishment yourself. Or you can take them to the cross. You can acknowledge the Lord Jesus as your substitute. Who drank the cup of God’s divine wrath on your behalf.

Those are your only options. God’s justice is going to be preserved one way or the other.Your sin must be dealt with. Either by you or by Christ.

III. God’s answer may just shock and amaze you. (33:6-9)

Here is another example of that “new math.”
You know were things do not seem to add up. Look carefully again at verses 4 and 5. Got that in mind? Now look at verse 6.

God promises to restore, renew and rebuilt Jerusalem.
He promises peace and pardon. This is remarkable given Jeremiah spent 40 years preaching God’s judgment. He warned against those who kept saying, “Peace. Peace. When there was no peace.” Now Babylon is knocking on the door and Jeremiah is promising God is going to bring peace!

But wait it is more glorious still – 33:8-9 - 8 I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. 9 And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

1 John1:7 – “…the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…”

What is the end result of all this?
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

What do you do when you have questions, fears and frustrations? You go to the Lord your God who welcomes your questioning heart. Be prepared when you do His answers may cause you some unrest but then again, His answer may just shock and amaze you.

Oh yeah, one more thing – this is a secret don’t you dare tell anyone!