What’s Wrong With Our Culture? (Part 1): The Book of Acts, Message 30

[@jeff7.629]

Thank you for the words of encouragement.

[@sharibradley4195]

Guilty! Thank you, Pastor Chris. I will keep these points in the forefront of my thoughts instead of social media! God bless you and yours

[@paulgriggs2927]

Great message and delivery chris

[@makaylachambers5216]

Amen

[@GTECspokesman]

There once was a King from across the sea who came to a land of woe. His heart was stirred in pity at the condition of the people of the sick land. So he paid a price that freed the people and went back to his country, “I go to prepare a place for you in my own land. While I am gone, I shall have another come to teach and prepare you for the time when I return to take you back to my land. To anyone that believes in me, He shall give you a passport that can never be taken away from that proves that you are a citizen of my land. But anyone who rejects me shall be left behind and will be subject to my wrath when I come to conqueror this land.” the King said before leaving from a dock. And so the Teacher came and set up a booth next to the dock. He taught and changed people’s minds while giving out passports. At first there was much rejoicing and hope at the return of the King and the going to a new better land. Weeks, months, years, decades and centuries passed and the King had not returned with his ship. Then the hecklers and slanders began to say, “It has been years since anyone has seen this king. The world keeps going on as if nothing has happened. Eat, drink and have folly. For tomorrow will be like today or even better.” they said. There were even those that made their own booths and sold their own fake passports in the King’s name while twisting the Teacher’s words for their own benefit and gain. There were many who groaned and set aside their passports, “He’s not coming back so why deny trying to make this land the promised land?” they said as they tried to make the twisted land into paradise. But there were those who even as they groaned, longed for the return of the King and kept their eyes to the sea in hope of the promise. “Even if our forefathers have gone to sleep, we eagerly wait for the King.” they said. And then in a time when people least expect his return, the King in his mighty ship appeared at that dock. The Ship’s horn let out such a mighty blast that the land shook in terror. Those that died with their passports were raised up from the dead and went to board the ship. Many of the people of that sick twisted land would flee in terror and hide themselves. The King would send out his crew to knock on the doors of those on the passport holder list who were not raised from the dead. “Come out! It is time for the Departure! Leave everything behind for the King has everything ready for you! It is time for the Departure!” they would declare. Many would come out trembling, in almost disbelief that the time of the promise would be happening in their time. Others would be shouting and leaping in joy that their King would take them away from this sick land. But there will be those that loved the twisted land that they grew up in and would refuse the call for Departure. “I just bought a house and haven’t inspected it, how could I leave?” “I just got married, how could I leave without them?” “I just bought a car and haven’t yet driven it, how could I leave.” “I have family and friends who do not have passports, how can I leave them behind?” they would say making excuses. There will also be some who do not have a passport or a fake one who would mix into the group of people getting on the boat. “I’m a good person, the King will take me.” “I’m better than any of those with a passport, the King would be glad to have me on the Ship.” they would say to themselves as they boarded. Then as the group gathered up by the crew has boarded the ship, the King will have the ramp to the Ship raised and would set sail to return to his own country. Then those with passports that were left behind sober up and realize what a terrible mistake they had made. They would rush to the dock with their passport high over their head, “My King! O my King, turn the ship around! Let us on! We believe!” they would shout with all their might. But the King would respond, “The ship has only enough fuel for one trip. Because of your hard hardheartedness, you will now have to live in enemy land until I return as a conqueror.” Then the King shall turn his attention to those within the ship, he will then inspect each and every passport that is brought to him. To those that hold true passports, he shouts with joy and embraces them as one does with a close dear friend. But to those that brought fake passports or none at all, the King held rage and contempt. “You wicked person! Why did you board my Ship knowing that I am a King who holds true to his word? Did you not hear the words of the Teacher or see how freely he gave out passports to those that believe? Your actions have condemned you.” Then the King will turn to his crew and command them to bind and toss his enemies into the sea where there is a gnashing of teeth as the sharks feast.