THE SUMMER IS ENDED
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Oct. 3, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
THE SUMMER IS ENDED
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-22
Text: Jeremiah 18:20
Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Introduction: This is, to me, one of the saddest verses of the Bible. It ranks alongside Ps. 142:4 in gloominess.
When we think of the seasons, we must remember that God created them.
Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
Psalms 104:19 He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
God changes the seasons according to His own purpose.
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Summer, my favorite season, is gone. We are now into Fall, and Winter is just around the corner. You know, you go through seasons of life, as well. Let’s think on these things this morning.
I. CONSIDER THE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES OF SUMMER
Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
A. Summer is a time for getting out in the sun
* Jesus is the sun (Mal. 4:2).
* Don’t wait until the end of your life to be saved.
B. Summer is a time for gathering summer fruits – see Prov. 10:5; Mic. 7:1
* Every Christian should bear fruit.
* Gather fruit while you still have the energy!
C. Summer is a time for getting reading done
* Read your Bible through while you are young!
* Study it. Learn it. Live by it! It will save you a lot of heartache.
II. CONSIDER THE MISERIES OF WINTER
Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
A. There is the chilling air of winter
* It is really easy to get cold as you get old. Ask old people.
* Retirement affects some Christians in a bad way.
B. There are the car accidents of winter
* This is often due to an inability to see or travel as well.
* Sometimes senior saints lose a vision of the lost, of the opportunities, and of the Lord’s will for their lives.
C. There are the cold ailments of winter
* People seem to get sick more easily in the winter.
* As we get old, we lose our health. Doing the small things becomes a big chore.
III. CONSIDER THE MESSAGE FOR FALL
2 Timothy 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
A. Come to Christ to be saved NOW
B. Come to His church to serve NOW
C. Come to His commandments to study NOW