We use calendars to track family birthdays and doctor’s appointments. That’s what they are for. The Bible tells us there are three dates to mark. We don’t know the dates to but one of them.
Isaiah 55: 6 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
This tells us there is a date with the altar. It’s not to be put off. Today is the day of salvation. Amos 4:12 states therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. We won’t get out of this world and through eternity without meeting God. He has spoken. Maybe you thought it was your imagination or your conscience. God speaks each time you hear his Word.
We all have things in common. Hebrews 9:27 tells us as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Whatever plans you have for the future, know this, and it’s been true since your birth, even your conception. You have a meeting with God. Prepare to meet him. For an appointment with the doctor we might plan ahead a week by changing our diet. We’ll certainly shower and clean up for the appointment. Have you prepared to meet God? Less than two weeks ago Ernie got the victory. The same thing happened with Peggy a little over 24 hours ago. She was prepared to meet God. Paul said to depart is far better. Both of them kept their appointment. Don’t try to figure out who might be next. It could be you. It could be me. Our loved ones and the Lord are waiting on us. We don’t set this date. God does and when he calls we must keep it.
The second certain date is the summons before the judgement of the Lord. The small and the great will stand before God. It’s not optional any more than the appointment to die. The last of Hebrews 9:27 happens: after this the judgment. God’s Word shows us the way and tells us what’s coming. You can be saved and free from your sin right now and have peace in your life. Jesus Christ is the door. If you accept Jesus he’ll write your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is God’s only provision to escape hell. Are you lost? Are you pretending to be saved? People say there are many ways to heaven but there is only one way: Jesus. There are many religions but a religion is only as good as the god behind it. The true and living God is behind Christianity and the Bible. He says repent or perish, believe or die. You must take Jesus as Savior. If you’re not prepared when the summons comes it will be too late.
The third certain date is the invitation today. It’s what I read to you from Isaiah. You are invited to meet God. There is more said about the invitation of God than hell. He wants you to know him; you won’t leave this world without being invited to God. The invitation of God can change your course and your future. Your appointment with death won’t be a bad event. Your summons will be all right. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. If you accept this invitation you can keep the appointments unafraid. We can have boldness in the day of judgement.
Today is your opportunity. It may not be here tomorrow or next week. What you do with it is up to you. Don’t put it off.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 