Avoiding the Spiritual Cliff
December 30, 2012 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must use God’s solution to avoid the spiritual cliff.
Focus Passage: Hebrews 10:23-31
Supplemental Passage: Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NASB)
Introduction: Give a brief introduction of the so-called “fiscal cliff” that has been described on the news lately. Explain that it is an imaginary cliff with real results. Relate how our lives are headed for a spiritual cliff and the only way that is to be averted is to have faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, some who claim faith in Jesus, are not really saved, but only have the illusion of salvation.
I. Hope without wavering
a. remaining faithful to Jesus
b. If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:12-13 NASB)
c. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)
II. Willful Sinning
a. proving that you are not saved
b. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2 NASB)
c. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 NASB)
III. Expectation of Judgment
a. continual sin will result in judgment
b. And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 NASB)
c. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 NASB)
Invitation: Are you more worried about higher taxes and $11/gallon milk than you are your own soul?
