Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, August 14, 2005, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including zipped files of outlines from previous years, click on the
link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005

By Michael D. O'Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Ezek. 37:1-10

Text: Ezek. 37:10

Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

Introduction: One of the mottos for the state of Florida is seen when you cross the state line. You will see a sign that says, "Arrive Alive."

You and I who are saved are on a trip. We are not planted on this earth; we are merely visitors. Our home is in heaven, and we are headed home.

Along the way, we should be like an army, alive and thriving. I am afraid that too many churches and too many Christians are characterized by the Lord's evaluation of the church

Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Some Christians are as dead as the shade under a tree in Mexico at 2 o'clock in the afternoon!

Our theme for 2005 is "Come Alive in 2005."

Beloved, when the Lord Jesus Christ comes to call us home, I want to be found ALIVE. I don't mean just being born again. That has happened in my life, and I'm thankful for it. I'm talking about being PRACTICALLY alive. If a Christian isn't working and living for Jesus, he's DEAD.

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

This morning's message is

ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005

I want to bring you a message this morning based on the assumption that Jesus is coming in 2005. I am expecting Him to come this year. If you ask why this year, it is because that I am expecting him to come TODAY, and today is IN this year!

If Jesus DOES come in 2005, let's be found busy, living for him, and ALIVE for God!

If Jesus comes this year, don't you want to ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005?

I. TO ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005 LET'S EXAMINE OURSELVES AND SURVIVE

Revelation 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

A. Examine your freshness

B. Examine your faithfulness
1. Was there ever a time when you were more faithful than you are now?
2. If so, then you are DYING!

C. Examine your fruitfulness

D. Examine your fire

II. TO ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005 LET'S EXPECT GOD TO REVIVE

Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

From this passage in 2 Chron., I want to remind you of three things that should encourage us to EXPECT God to revive His people!

A. God is looking

B. God is listening

C. God is living!

III. TO ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005 LET'S ENLIST IN GOD'S ARMY AND STRIVE

Notice these words in our text "and stood up upon their feet"
 

Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

A. Trim down

B. Team up
1. Church membership

C. Try out

D. Try again

IV. TO ARRIVE ALIVE IN 2005 LET'S EXCEED IN GOD'S WORK AND THRIVE

Notice the words in our text "an exceeding great army"

Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

A. Make it a priority to thrive

B. Meditate on your progress and thrive

C. Maintain your prayer life and thrive

D. Move in the power of GOD and thrive!