Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, August 17, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including a zipped file of all of my 1999, 2000, and 2001 sermon outlines, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

A BLASTER, A BLACKOUT, AND A BODYBUILDER
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WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER FROM THE NEWS

By Michael D. O'Neal                  Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                  Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Acts 17:16-21

Text: Acts 17:21

Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing)

Introduction: The Athenians and strangers were totally wrapped up in hearing or telling new things. We are much like them. We are so fascinated with new things that we are constantly reading newspapers, newsletters, and watching the news on television. News must be a shortened form of "new things" or it wouldn't make sense.

As a Christian, it is not so necessary for you to be aware of every "new thing" that takes place in the world. However, it IS a wise thing for you to evaluate every new thing that you hear by the word of God.

I want to mention a few things this morning that have occupied the thoughts of many Americans. My desire is not to announce or discuss the news as much as it is to encourage you to look at world events in the light of the word of God.

I. A "BLASTER" IN COMPUTERS

I THINK ABOUT SIN AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT IT

The newest computer bug has been referred to as a "blaster" worm. It has caused what has been called one of the worst weeks in computer security history.

Likewise, the worst problem that has ever plagued mankind is SIN.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

A. The virus was caused by a wicked nature
  • Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:20-23
  • The wicked are estranged from the womb - Psalms 58:3
B. The virus was contagious
  • Spreading like leaven
  • One family member affects others
  • One church member affects others
C. The virus was crafty
  • Sin is deceitful - Hebrews 3:13
D. The virus was curable
  • The "removal tool" for this virus, sin, is the BLOOD OF CHRIST!
  • Isa. 1:18

II. A BLACKOUT IN OUR CITIES

I THINK ABOUT A SUDDEN STOP AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT IT

Some of our largest cities and those of Canada experienced a sudden failure of the power grid.

Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Notice the suddenness in the above verse.

During the blackout, everything was stopped, as in death, and the people lost control:

A. Of transportation
  • Elevators, subways, automobiles
  • Death stops you from going further
B. Of time and schedule
  • Everyone's appointments, schedules,  and plans were interrupted.
  • Death is a great interrupter of people of all ages.
C. Of temperature
  • No air-conditioning was one of the main complaints.
  • No cooling agent in hell!
D. Of their toiling
  • Work while it is day; the night cometh!
E. Of their toys
  • Computers and cell phones
  • He who dies with the most toys ... still leaves them all behind!

III. A BODYBUILDER IN CALIFORNIA

I THINK ABOUT A SURPRISE AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT IT

Up to the last minute of his announcement, everyone thought that Arnold Schwarzenegger was not going to run for the office of governor of California. He surprised everybody.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

A. There is the surprise of death
  • MANY people die BEFORE "threescore and ten"!
B. There is the surprise of destination after death
  • Surprises in hell:
           It is NOT the GRAVE;
           It is NOT a PARTY with all your friends!

C. There is the surprise of the descent of Christ in the air
  • No time for salvation
  • No time for more service
  • No time for soul-winning of your friends and loved ones!
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