"11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him." Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

King Solomon wrote this as he looked back at his life. 
-- The work we do is a gift of God!
-- We don't endure forever -- our lives on this earth are finite.

Time is Fleeting.

"13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”" James 4:13-15

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure.[a]
6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
    in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
    without knowing whose it will finally be." Psalm 39:4-6

Time is short for us.

God only knows the time we have.

"Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Psalm 90:10

"Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

We have a limited amount of time. Make each day important. When you number something it's important. Each day, each year, each hour is important. Our days are important. If we don't make the most of each one we lose it. Each breath, each second can be a offering to God.

Time is a Blessing.

"8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9

God wants us to live as much as we can -- see as many souls saved as we can. Now, now, now -- is what we humans think. God's timing is perfect! When we think it isn't, we are arrogant and so very wrong. God has grace and mercy -- He doesn't want to lose anyone. Time is a blessing -- another opportunity to love and share.

Time will end.
 
"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains." Matthew 24:5-8

Don't focus on things happening around us. Focus on Jesus and loving people for Jesus.

​“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’" Matthew 25:31-36

Don't be caught off guard not watching.
If someone important was planning on showing up at your house you would prepare and watch. How much more should we do this for Jesus.

"41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"Matthew 25:41-45

Time is Ticking.
"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

The clock is ticking on every human life.

The Urgency of Time -- Be Intentional.

"15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17

Live it with drive, with intention. Live for Jesus. Love God will all of yourself. Love everyone wholly. Love on each other. Be wise. Make the most of every opportunity to love. Nobody is going to care what you did at the end. They want to know if they are loved. They need to know Jesus and believe in Him. 

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:5

If You knew, what would you do?

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Galatians 6:10

Am I living intentionally for Jesus? There will be no do-overs when we stand before Jesus.

What does God want you to do?
"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."
John 9:4

​We have limited time and limited opportunity.

The Day is Coming.

"31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." Matthew 25:31-33

At the end we will be separated by what we did for Jesus. 

"41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’" Matthew 25:41-45

You did not do what you were supposed to do.

What have you done with the time You have been given?

What are we waiting for?

All you gotta do is get moving.
"36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”"
Matthew 12:36-37

Let's see what you did for me.

"Empty words." 

"So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12

What matters is what I did with my life for Jesus. 

If you choose NOT to do what is right that is a sin: a sin of omission. 

We deserve nothing. He gave us everything.
We deserve hell. He offers heaven.

Time is short.

 "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Philippians 2:1-2

Whatever you got, give it out. If you've received it give it out to others. Assume everyone is your friend.

A "works-based guy" comes to Jesus:

"On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”" Luke 10:25-39

This guy is testing Jesus. When he asked who his neighbor was he was looking for a loophole. If we're trying to get out of something God tells us to do, we're wrong.

Compassion -- show mercy.

THE PARABLE

Context -- Who is my neighbor?
Setting -- Road to Jericho. It was 18 miles downhill. It was known as "The Way of Blood" because it was so dangerous.
Characters -- Priest, Levite, Samaritan, Jewish victim

"31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side."

The priest was supposed to be the person closest to God. He avoided the victim. This priest was born into ministry. The Levite was also born into ministry. Levites served priests. Both were leaving Jerusalem so both had time. 

Actions vs. Appearance.
Compassion vs. Self-interest.

The "expert in the law" didn't object to the priest's and the levite's actions in the story. It is like he almost expected them.

"Charity is more popular than compassion. Compassion has a cost, and charity is tax deductible." Anonymous

Compassion costs.

What cost? 

33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’" Luke 10:33-35

The costs:

Emotional -- Samaritan took pity on the victim. He's traveling. There is a risk to the Samaritan for him to just go over to the man. Intention -- went to the victim
Effort -- bandaged his wounds. Took time to take care of the man.
Resources -- oil and wine. These weren't cheap. Oil for softening. Wine for disinfecting.
Labor -- Lifted him and put him on his riding animal. This took a lot of strength.
Money -- brought him to an inn and paid for his care.
Personal Responsibility -- long-term care if needed.
Time -- this hadn't been the Samaritan's plan at all. He put aside his own agenda and served this man.

Compassion is an action 

"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." John 3:16

God led us through an action -- God didn't hold back. 

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Go out and do. Do what I did. You will be able to do more than I did.

Henry Durant. Born 1828. Started 1st chapter of YMCA (Young men's Christian organization) in Switzerland when he saw how many boys and young men needed help and guidance. Durant had a successful career. One day he had a meeting with Napoleon III. As he was going to see him he saw 40,000 men wounded and dead in a field. No one was helping them. He convinced a local church to set up a makeshift first aid station for the soldiers. For the next several weeks he stayed and helped heal the soldiers. When he returned home he wrote letters to many country leaders and this brought about the First Geneva Convention. At this convention they decided doctors, nurses and ambulances were off limits that is how the Red Cross started. This was prior to WWI.

When you say, "Somebody should do something" maybe you are the somebody who is needed.

​Give as we have received.

"We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do and more in the light of what they suffer." Diedrich Bonhoeffer

If someone is suffering, help. We need to value people and not why they may be suffering.

Everything God has given us we can give away -- Go and do. 

Am I doing something?

Feeling and saying don't help the receiver. Do what I've asked you to do. When we have the ability to help, that is a gift from God to help. HELP.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Consequences can be very serious.

"Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 'Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith." Mark 6:1-6

They knew He did miracles and knew He preached truth but instead of believing in Him they were offended by Him.

"17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[a]; yet he liked to listen to him." Mark 6:17-20

John is preaching the truth. Even though Herod knows John is right and righteous, to make Herodias happy he imprisons John. It's easier to go against John than Herodias. Herod is actually going against God.

Expectations vs. Reality

1. Israelites escape slavery in Egypt: God got them through the Red Sea. They had a great celebration -- a few days later they were grumbling.

"22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.[a]) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”" Exodus 15:22-24

Moses is so overwhelmed by their sinful grumbling he sins himself and doesn't get to enter The Promised Land!

2.  Jesus Calls the Disciples: They think -- miracle working Messiah, Yeah! Life will be Good.

"17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:17-22

Consequences are a natural result of a fallen world.

"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23

Consequences of sin? Of course.

Consequences of truth? Are you ready for them?

"20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:20-24

We are called to be dead to sin.

Consequences after ...Happily ever after? Christ was arrested, tried and crucified. He told them it was going to be rough.

"19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19-20

You're following -- you will lead. Spirit gives us new perspective. Truth is more important than consequences. Salvation, Forgiveness and the Love of God -- preaching this is our job but there will be consequences. Speaking the truth -- earthly consequence is death.

2021 -- more martyrs in our time than ever before. Will you speak the truth irregardless of consequences? Our life, our goal is to stay steadfast. Be good soil.

"7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:7-11

Everything in my life is gone. Good riddance. And then He met Jesus. Jesus, I'm Yours. Then everything else was rubbish. Finish the race. That is our happily ever after. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Go, go go. Get rid of the junk. And go. Run the race. 

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

Speak the truth. Don't blow it off. Just speak. Help me to step out in boldness. I'm not here to make the world happy. We need to keep running our race -- never stop

The early Church had to learn how to live in Christ's freedom too. They all lived in the Roman Empire and also prior to accepting Christ either lived by Jewish Law or pagan rituals (if they were pagan). Freedom in Christ is a completely different way to live. We too need to choose freedom over rule keeping.

"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:11-1

Peter was talking to the Church as a whole. 

HOW DO WE LIVE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF IT?

"14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." John 17:14

This world is full of sin and darkness. It has no hope. It is perishing. We need to be the light.

"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11-12

Be different. Don't be like the world. People should see the difference. Live in the truth, in kindness, compassion, joy, peace.

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD SO LIVE LIKE IT.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

We are meant to live lives that honor the Father all the time. 

WHAT DOES FREEDOM LOOK LIKE?

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

There are still people fighting to get here (America) so it must be better than where they are from. So too, we are citizens of Heaven -- our home is much better than hell. So live like your home is in heaven. Let people see the different. Jesus's way -- loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, not in a hurry; patient, good, long-suffering, self-controlled.

"7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8

God's holding us to a high standard. Be an example for those who don't have Jesus yet.

WHAT ABOUT AUTHORITIES?

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people."
                                                                                                                                                1 Peter 2:13-15

Remember, the Roman Empire, where these Believers lived, was a cruel, violent empire. Lots of people were killed by the government. It killed Christians. It would eventually kill Peter.

"25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”" Luke 20:25

If the authority tells you to go against God, then don't do that. Otherwise go with the government. But always respect authority no matter how the person acts. We always can be kind and respectful. We should exercise our right to vote and however else God is leading you to take part in politics. But we aren't to be beligerant ever. We should be living to make our world better.

"7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”" Jeremiah 29:7

Pray for peace and prosperity where you live.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
1 Timothy 2:1-2

LIVE OUR LIVES HAS VOLUNTARY BONDSLAVES TO GOD.

​"16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:16-17

Doulos=bondslave

A slave who was bought and paid for; released but chooses to stay with the Master voluntarily. I want to stay with my master, he or she says.

THE PRODIGAL SON

"17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:17-20

We were bought at a great price.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1



"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13

FIGHT THE DEVIL TO PRESERVE YOUR FREEDOM

"But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:9

Don't go back to what God took you from.
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.