THIS DAY WILL NEVER RETURN
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Oct. 17, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
THIS DAY WILL NEVER RETURN
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Esther 4:6-17
Text: Esther 4:14
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Introduction: Mordecai was pressing upon Esther to choose to do the right thing. He indicated that her situation in the kingdom as the queen could be providential, “for such a time as this.”
While you and I may not seem to be every day in a national and personal crisis like Esther experienced in our text, we DO need to remember that every day is important. God has things He wants you to do TODAY, and they should not be put off until tomorrow. Whatever we are supposed to do today should be done TODAY. If we DON’T do it, we should realize that THIS day will never return.
Once this day passes, you can never recapture it. Therefore, let me encourage you to:
I. RECEIVE SALVATION TODAY
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)
A. Because of the condition of your heart
B. Because of the certainty of heaven and hell
C. Because of the call of the Holy Ghost
II. REJOICE IN THE SAVIOR TODAY
Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
A. Rejoice in today’s presence
B. Rejoice in today’s privileges
C. Rejoice in today’s possibilities
III. REGARD THE SCRIPTURES TODAY
Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
A. From the pulpit – respond today!
B. From the people of God – respond today!
C. From personal reading – respond today!
IV. REACH SINNERS TODAY
Psalms 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
A. Because time is short
B. Because torment is sure
C. Because tragedy can STRIKE
V. REMIND THE SAINTS TODAY
Hebrews 3:12-13 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
A. Lest they be hindered by Satan
B. Lest they be hardened by sin
C. Lest they be hurt by slipping
VI. RENDER SERVICE TODAY
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Matthew 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
A. Because of health
B. Because of heaven – the Judgment Seat of Christ
C. Because of HIM – the Lord Jesus Christ