Choosing Between Sin and Eternal Life
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship the Lord, who watches over us and protects us, as expressed in Psalm 121. Whether you're having a great week or a challenging one, the same Lord is with you. We began our service with hymns and shared some important announcements, including meetings for our prayer shawl group and small group leaders, a building fund offering next Sunday, and our upcoming church picnic. We also prayed for Virginia Hart, who is recovering from surgery.
We then transitioned into our sermon, focusing on the book of Nahum, which speaks of God's judgment on Nineveh and offers hope to the Israelites in exile. Nahum presents a choice: to be people of God and endure suffering or become oppressors. We discussed how sin, though alluring, leads to destruction. Sin often starts small but grows like wildfire, leading us away from God and into bondage. We cannot hide our sins from God; they will be laid bare.
We explored the realities of heaven and hell. Hell is described as a place of eternal punishment, outer darkness, and torment, where God's grace is absent, and His judgment is in full force. In contrast, heaven is a place where brokenness ends, and wholeness begins. It will be full of wonder and awe, with God tangibly present with us. Work in heaven will be fulfilling, and there will be no more frustration.
Jesus offers us a choice: to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in heaven or to continue in sin and face eternal punishment. The sacrifices we make now to follow Jesus are worth it. Heaven is a treasure worth giving up everything for. As we conclude our worship, let us be encouraged and challenged to live into who God is calling us to be, knowing that He is with us every moment of every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Allure of Sin and Its Consequences: Sin often appears glittery and attractive, much like a shiny lure that catches a fish's attention. However, once we bite, we are ensnared and led into bondage and destruction. Sin starts small but grows like wildfire, leading us further from God. We must recognize the true nature of sin and avoid its deceptive allure. [34:37]
2. The Reality of Hell: Hell is not a place of parties and fun but one of eternal punishment, outer darkness, and torment. It is the absence of God's grace and the full force of His judgment. The devil does not rule in hell; he is punished along with everyone else. Understanding the true nature of hell should deter us from sin and motivate us to seek God's grace. [49:40]
3. The Promise of Heaven: Heaven is a place where brokenness ends, and wholeness begins. It will be full of wonder and awe, with God tangibly present with us. Work in heaven will be fulfilling, and there will be no more frustration. The new heavens and the new earth will be a place of infinite joy and fulfillment, far beyond our current understanding. [51:13]
4. The Choice Before Us: Jesus offers us a choice: to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in heaven or to continue in sin and face eternal punishment. The sacrifices we make now to follow Jesus are worth it. Heaven is a treasure worth giving up everything for, and we must be willing to let go of sin to attain it. [01:02:25]
5. Living in the Light of Eternity: As Christians, we must live with the awareness that this world is temporary and that our ultimate destination is either heaven or hell. The book of Nahum reminds us that God's justice will prevail, and we must choose to live in a way that honors Him. Our daily choices and actions should reflect our commitment to follow Jesus and be molded into His image. [01:05:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:25] - Announcements
[17:04] - Church Picnic and Activities
[18:33] - Upcoming Sermon Series: Open Hands
[19:53] - Community Service Opportunities
[21:02] - Prayer for Virginia Hart
[22:02] - Prayer and Worship Transition
[23:20] - Contemporary Worship
[29:13] - Introduction to Nahum
[30:43] - Nahum's Message of Judgment and Hope
[32:31] - Reading Nahum Chapter 3
[34:37] - The Allure of Sin
[39:36] - Nakedness Before God
[41:09] - Jesus' Return and Final Judgment
[45:24] - The Reality of Hell
[51:13] - The Promise of Heaven
[55:52] - God Tangibly With Us
[58:04] - Fulfilling Work in Heaven
[01:02:25] - The Choice Before Us
[01:05:45] - Living in the Light of Eternity
[01:12:46] - Benediction and Closing Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nahum 3:1-7: "Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims! The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots! Charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears—many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses— all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. 'I am against you,' declares the Lord Almighty. 'I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. All who see you will flee from you and say, "Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?" Where can I find anyone to comfort you?'"
2. James 1:13-15: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
3. Revelation 21:1-4: "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Nahum 3:1-7 describe about the city of Nineveh and God's judgment against it?
2. According to James 1:13-15, what is the process that leads from temptation to death?
3. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are the characteristics of the new heaven and new earth that John describes?
4. What metaphor does the pastor use to describe the allure of sin, and how does it relate to the passage in James? [34:37]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of Nineveh in Nahum 3:1-7 reflect the consequences of sin and God's judgment?
2. What does James 1:13-15 suggest about personal responsibility in the process of sinning?
3. How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-4 provide hope for believers?
4. Why is it important to understand the true nature of sin as described in the sermon, and how does this understanding impact our daily choices? [34:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted by something that seemed attractive but led to negative consequences. How can you apply the lessons from James 1:13-15 to avoid similar situations in the future?
2. The pastor mentioned that sin often starts small but grows like wildfire. Can you identify a "small" sin in your life that has the potential to grow? What steps can you take to address it now? [36:35]
3. How does the reality of hell, as described in the sermon, motivate you to seek God's grace and avoid sin? [49:40]
4. The sermon emphasized the choice between following Jesus and experiencing the fullness of life in heaven or continuing in sin and facing eternal punishment. What sacrifices might you need to make to follow Jesus more closely? [01:02:25]
5. Considering the description of heaven in Revelation 21:1-4, what aspects of your current life do you need to change to align more with the hope and promise of heaven?
6. The pastor mentioned that work in heaven will be fulfilling and free of frustration. How can you find fulfillment in your current work or service, even if it is challenging? [58:04]
7. How can you live with the awareness that this world is temporary and that your ultimate destination is either heaven or hell? What daily choices and actions can reflect your commitment to follow Jesus? [01:05:45]
Devotional
Day 1: The Deceptive Allure of Sin
Sin often appears glittery and attractive, much like a shiny lure that catches a fish's attention. However, once we bite, we are ensnared and led into bondage and destruction. Sin starts small but grows like wildfire, leading us further from God. We must recognize the true nature of sin and avoid its deceptive allure. Sin's consequences are severe, and it can lead us into a state of spiritual death and separation from God. The allure of sin is a trap that can lead to a life of regret and sorrow.
Understanding the deceptive nature of sin helps us to be vigilant and cautious. We must constantly examine our hearts and actions to ensure we are not falling into sin's trap. By staying close to God and seeking His guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live a life that honors Him. Remember, no sin is hidden from God; everything will be laid bare before Him. [34:37]
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: What small sins have you allowed to grow in your life? How can you take steps today to address and eliminate them?
Day 2: The Sobering Reality of Hell
Hell is not a place of parties and fun but one of eternal punishment, outer darkness, and torment. It is the absence of God's grace and the full force of His judgment. The devil does not rule in hell; he is punished along with everyone else. Understanding the true nature of hell should deter us from sin and motivate us to seek God's grace. Hell is a place of unimaginable suffering, where there is no hope or relief.
The reality of hell serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God. It is a place where God's justice is fully realized, and there is no escape from His judgment. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and mercy, which are available to us through Jesus Christ. By accepting His gift of salvation, we can avoid the horrors of hell and experience the fullness of life in heaven. [49:40]
Matthew 25:30 (ESV): "And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Reflection: How does the reality of hell impact your view of sin and your relationship with God? What steps can you take to ensure you are living in a way that honors Him?
Day 3: The Glorious Promise of Heaven
Heaven is a place where brokenness ends, and wholeness begins. It will be full of wonder and awe, with God tangibly present with us. Work in heaven will be fulfilling, and there will be no more frustration. The new heavens and the new earth will be a place of infinite joy and fulfillment, far beyond our current understanding. Heaven is a treasure worth giving up everything for, and we must be willing to let go of sin to attain it.
The promise of heaven gives us hope and encouragement as we navigate the challenges of this life. It reminds us that our suffering is temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. By keeping our eyes fixed on the promise of heaven, we can endure hardships and remain faithful to God. Heaven is a place of eternal joy, where we will experience the fullness of God's love and presence. [51:13]
Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Reflection: How does the promise of heaven influence your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make to live with an eternal perspective?
Day 4: The Crucial Choice Before Us
Jesus offers us a choice: to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in heaven or to continue in sin and face eternal punishment. The sacrifices we make now to follow Jesus are worth it. Heaven is a treasure worth giving up everything for, and we must be willing to let go of sin to attain it. This choice is the most important decision we will ever make, and it has eternal consequences.
Choosing to follow Jesus requires us to surrender our lives to Him and live according to His teachings. It means turning away from sin and embracing a life of righteousness. The rewards of following Jesus far outweigh the temporary pleasures of sin. By choosing Jesus, we gain eternal life and a relationship with God that brings true fulfillment and joy. [62:25]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."
Reflection: What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Jesus? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him in your daily life?
Day 5: Living in the Light of Eternity
As Christians, we must live with the awareness that this world is temporary and that our ultimate destination is either heaven or hell. The book of Nahum reminds us that God's justice will prevail, and we must choose to live in a way that honors Him. Our daily choices and actions should reflect our commitment to follow Jesus and be molded into His image. Living in the light of eternity means prioritizing our spiritual growth and relationship with God above all else.
By keeping an eternal perspective, we can navigate the challenges and temptations of this life with hope and confidence. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with others. Our lives should be a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. As we live in the light of eternity, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing our future is secure in Christ. [65:45]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you live with an eternal perspective in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure your actions and choices reflect your commitment to follow Jesus?
Quotes
1. "One of the things the church offers, first and foremost, and many other organizations try to mimic is that we have community together in people. And but to have community, we need to serve one another. That's part of Jesus ministry. And if you are a follower of Jesus, we are called to serve one another so that the world would know who we worship." [18:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sin is that same way. It looks glittery on the outside at first glance, maybe even second, third, or even when you chomp down on sin. But you're snared. You're caught. And this is where we are today, that sin's allure leads to enslavement, which leads to destruction. passage in this book of Nahum here, we're looking at it as God is against those who are persecuting and doing bad things that are things that are not for God. And he's saying, I am against you. Be careful. Because not all that glitters is gold." [34:37] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sin starts small, but grows like a wildfire, leading us further from God and into bondage. And we need to understand that. Further in chapter 3 here, the prophet Nahum talks about the nakedness of her, the nation of Nineveh. He says, I am against you, declares the Lord. I will lift up your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, the kingdoms your shame." [39:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to understand this, that sin often is a glittering lure that entices us to follow. It looks great. Our world is full of opportunities to sin. And we, unfortunately, take it quite often. And I'm not saying that I'm not in the same boat. We're all in the same boat, looking at the very tempting, glittering lure of sin. But all that glitters is not gold. And James says, When we go after this, we end up dead. Dead. That's not good." [35:57] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reality is that the devil does not rule in hell. He is punished and tormented just like everyone else. God's justice is in full effect. Hell is not a place that you want to go. Just like the raisin bread with the dog poop. You don't want it. It's bad. So when we think about this, we should not want to sin so bad because we do not want to go there. That's the negative reinforcement that God is sharing that, listen, this is not going to be good for you if you follow this path." [49:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Heaven will be full of wonder and awe. I don't know if you've ever been somewhere where you've gotten goosebumps from something being so amazing. I remember seeing the Grand Canyon when our family went on a vacation, and I saw the Grand Canyon in all its majesty, and that just sitting on the edge, looking down, going, oh, my. Goosebumps. Even going to Devil's Lake here in Wisconsin, you see the outlook when you're up on top, looking over the lake, going, this is amazing." [52:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Heaven is going to be a place where there's no brokenness, where brokenness ends and wholeness begins. Heaven is going to be this place, the new heavens and the new earth will be a place where we are fully known, that we are perfected. I often talk about heaven at the funerals that we have to comfort people who have lost loved ones. But we should also be promoting heaven and the new heavens and the new earth every day." [51:13] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The new heavens and new earth will be amazing. In Revelation 21, 1, John says this, then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and first earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. Heaven is going to be a place where there's no brokenness, where brokenness ends and wholeness begins. Heaven is going to be this place, the new heavens and the new earth will be a place where we are fully known, that we are perfected." [51:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The challenge of us today is when heaven is offered to us do we find it that it is such a great treasure that we are willing in our joy to sell everything we have? Or are we like I still like the one foot in one foot out. Jesus is challenging you and me to go get rid of everything. There are other passages where Jesus says it is better to go into heaven without one eye than to go to hell with both. The sacrifice that you and I make now to live for Jesus will be worth it." [01:03:04] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "In my Father's house there are many rooms. If it were not so I would not have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go there to prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. On that day Paul says this as well. On that day he comes to be glorified and his holy people are to be marveled at a place where he is among all those who have believed." [01:04:09] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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