You Must Be Prepared (From our 8-17-25 Worship)
Opening & Context
- Preacher expressed gratitude for the congregation and their encouragement.
- Reflected on a recent visit to the Ark Encounter—the size, design, and purpose of the ark highlighted God’s wisdom and Noah’s obedience.
- Transitioned to the theme: Are we spiritually prepared?
Lessons from Scripture
- Matthew 25:1–13 – The Ten Virgins
- Five wise virgins prepared with oil.
- Five foolish virgins were unprepared and shut out.
- Lesson: Christ is the Bridegroom, and His people must be ready at all times.
- Noah’s Example (Genesis 6–8; Hebrews 11:7)
- Noah prepared an ark in faithful obedience.
- His preparation saved his household.
- The unprepared world perished in judgment.
- Parallel to Today
- Like those mocking Noah, many mock Christians for living differently.
- But when judgment comes, the unprepared will face regret, fear, and hopelessness.
The Emotions of the Lost
- Fear – facing God’s judgment without hope.
- Hopelessness – no assurance of salvation.
- Loneliness – separation from God and His people.
- Regret – realizing too late the need to obey.
The Hope of the Saved
- Christians have:
- Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
- Assurance in God’s promises, which never fail.
- Salvation through Christ, pictured in 1 Peter 3:20–21: baptism corresponds to Noah’s salvation through water.
Call to Action
- Daily preparation is essential:
- Walk with God faithfully like Noah.
- Bear the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life.
- Stay spiritually minded, serving Christ with obedience and joy.
- Invitation extended:
- Repent, confess Christ, and be baptized for forgiveness of sins.
- Continue growing through study and fellowship.
Major Topics:
- Preparation for eternity (Matthew 25; Genesis 6–8)
- Faith, obedience, and salvation (Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20–21)
- Hope in Christ vs. fear of the lost (1 Corinthians 13:13)
