The Cross and the Coming
October 26, 2008
Listen (high-speed Internet connection recommended)
Text: Philippians 3:17-21
Mexico experience - innocence lost – Citizenship - "The quality of an individual's response to membership in a community." You - Have you noticed that America has changed?
Quotes - What's happened? Are we heaven's representatives at work, school, play, clubs, church, etc?
Is there hope? We are heaven's representatives!
We will stand firm when our lives represent the cross and the coming of Christ! How?
1) We represent the party of the Cross!
V17-19
A) Join - follow the example of one who pursues Christ - Represent the Cross! "Not lukewarm"
We need examples!
B) Take note of people who are living according to the pattern - carry the cross!
Paul, Tim, Epap.
C) They have a heart for the lost! Weep
D) There is an opposing party! Enemies of the cross!
The culture is influencing Christianity more than Christianity is influencing the culture.
Examples - Busyness - Luke 9:57-62, Wal-Mart mentality in church going, never satisfied - the gnawing of the stomach
2) We represent the promise of the coming!
V20 - Savior, Lord! Power, Change
A) Story of "Kat" - That place of peace, where she rested
Why is it that this place, this hope is not appealing to the vast majority?
B) How do I get this heart of anticipation? Barbara Mandrell song? Christianity isn't cool, it's costly!
"You could go through your entire life in the USA without ever finding out whether or not you are a coward." - James Dickey
Political correctness? Tolerance?
Our citizenship is in heaven! It is true surrender!
Conclusion
Is there hope for America? I say yes there is! Jesus has not come back yet! We still have souls to win! Take a stand as a representative of Heaven!