Divine Roadblocks: Guiding Us Toward Eternal Life

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, church family. Today, we gathered to explore the profound truths about eternity and the choices we make that shape our eternal destiny. We began by reflecting on the story of Lazarus and the power of Jesus over death, emphasizing the importance of belief in witnessing the glory of God. We then transitioned into a critical discussion about the reality of hell and the roadblocks God places on our path to prevent us from heading there.

We delved into the concept of "Hell's Highway," drawing parallels to the physical roadblocks we encounter on highways, such as construction barrels and speed bumps, which serve as metaphors for the spiritual obstacles God places to deter us from a path leading to eternal separation from Him. These roadblocks are not meant to be punitive but are expressions of God's infinite love and patience, designed to guide us back to Him.

We discussed four primary roadblocks: the written Word of God, the spoken Word of God, the active Word of God, and the crucified Word of God. Each of these serves as a divine intervention to steer us away from sin and towards salvation. The written Word, the Bible, provides clear guidance and truth. The spoken Word, through sermons and preaching, convicts and encourages us. The active Word, the Holy Spirit, works within us to remind and convict us of God's love and righteousness. Finally, the crucified Word, Jesus Christ, stands as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, offering us redemption and eternal life.

We also addressed the alarming trend of some evangelical pastors preaching a diluted gospel, emphasizing the necessity of a clear and uncompromised message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The urgency of this message is underscored by the reality that our choices today determine our eternal destiny. We concluded with a heartfelt invitation to surrender to Jesus, recognizing the roadblocks as opportunities for repentance and transformation.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Knowledge and Our Trust: Just as Martha tried to inform Jesus about Lazarus' condition, we often try to give God more information than He needs. However, God already knows our circumstances and nothing surprises Him. Our role is to trust and believe in His power and timing, which will lead us to witness His glory. [14:47]

2. The Reality of Hell and God's Love: Hell is a place of unceasing suffering and regret, but it is not God's desire for anyone to go there. God's love is so profound that He places numerous roadblocks on our path to prevent us from heading towards eternal separation from Him. These roadblocks are expressions of His mercy and grace. [47:15]

3. The Power of the Written Word: The Bible is a significant obstacle to sin, filled with warnings, invitations, and truths about God's love and righteousness. It serves as a mirror, revealing our true selves and guiding us towards a life aligned with God's will. Engaging deeply with the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding the path to destruction. [52:47]

4. The Role of Preaching and the Holy Spirit: Sermons and the preaching of God's Word are powerful tools that God uses to convict and transform lives. The Holy Spirit works through these messages to penetrate hearts, convict of sin, and draw people closer to God. It is essential to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit in every sermon to ensure it impacts lives meaningfully. [58:23]

5. The Crucified Word of God: Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate roadblock on the highway to hell. His wounds, bruises, and the chastisement He bore for our peace are constant reminders of His love and the price He paid for our salvation. Embracing the crucified Christ is essential for eternal life and avoiding eternal separation from God. [17:18]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[14:47] - Jesus at Lazarus' Tomb
[15:40] - The Significance of Jewish Culture
[16:37] - Just Believe
[30:09] - The Grave Robber
[30:42] - Invitation to Salvation
[31:12] - Holy Spirit's Presence
[32:12] - Transition to the Word
[33:49] - Introduction to Hell's Highway
[34:19] - Roadblocks on the Highway to Hell
[35:47] - Key Point: Belief About Eternity
[36:17] - Cultural References and Misconceptions
[39:41] - Alarming Survey Results
[45:43] - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance
[52:47] - The Written Word of God
[58:23] - The Spoken Word of God
[01:09:08] - The Active Word of God
[01:17:18] - The Crucified Word of God
[01:24:11] - Invitation to Respond
[01:31:17] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 11:38-44 (NIV)
> Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

2. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
> But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

3. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus ask to be done at Lazarus' tomb, and what was Martha's initial reaction? ([14:47])
2. According to 2 Peter 3:8-9, how does God view time, and what is His desire for humanity?
3. What does Romans 6:23 say about the consequences of sin and the gift of God?
4. In the sermon, what are the four primary roadblocks mentioned that God places on the highway to hell? ([51:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Lazarus illustrate the power of belief in witnessing the glory of God? ([16:37])
2. What does the patience of God, as described in 2 Peter 3:8-9, reveal about His character and His desire for humanity? ([47:15])
3. How does the concept of "Hell's Highway" and the roadblocks God places reflect His love and desire for our salvation? ([34:19])
4. Why is it significant that the Bible is described as a mirror revealing our true selves and guiding us towards a life aligned with God's will? ([52:47])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to give God more information than He needed, like Martha did. How can you practice trusting in God's knowledge and timing more fully? ([14:47])
2. The sermon emphasized the reality of hell and God's love in placing roadblocks to prevent us from going there. How can you recognize and respond to these roadblocks in your own life? ([47:15])
3. Engaging deeply with the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth. What specific steps can you take to make Bible reading a more integral part of your daily routine? ([52:47])
4. Sermons and preaching are powerful tools for transformation. How can you prepare your heart and mind to receive and act on the messages you hear each week? ([58:23])
5. Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate roadblock on the highway to hell. How can you keep the significance of the crucifixion at the forefront of your daily life and decisions? ([17:18])
6. The sermon mentioned the alarming trend of diluted gospel messages. How can you ensure that the gospel you share with others remains clear and uncompromised? ([41:45])
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's nudges and convictions? ([31:12])

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Knowledge and Timing
Description: Often, we find ourselves in situations where we feel the need to inform God about our circumstances, much like Martha did when she tried to tell Jesus about Lazarus' condition. However, God is omniscient and already knows every detail of our lives. Nothing surprises Him. Our role is to trust in His power and timing, believing that He will reveal His glory in due course. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to surrender our anxieties and doubts to Him, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory. [14:47]

John 11:40 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you actively surrender this area to Him today?

Day 2: Understanding Hell and God's Love
Description: Hell is a place of unceasing suffering and regret, but it is not God's desire for anyone to end up there. God's love is so profound that He places numerous roadblocks on our path to prevent us from heading towards eternal separation from Him. These roadblocks, such as the written Word, the spoken Word, the active Word, and the crucified Word, are expressions of His mercy and grace. They are designed to guide us back to Him and offer us opportunities for repentance and transformation. [47:15]

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's intervention steering you away from a harmful path. How did you respond, and what did you learn about His love and patience?

Day 3: The Power of the Written Word
Description: The Bible is a significant obstacle to sin, filled with warnings, invitations, and truths about God's love and righteousness. It serves as a mirror, revealing our true selves and guiding us towards a life aligned with God's will. Engaging deeply with the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding the path to destruction. The written Word provides clear guidance and truth, helping us to navigate life's challenges and stay on the path to salvation. [52:47]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more time for reading and meditating on the Bible in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to make this a priority?

Day 4: The Role of Preaching and the Holy Spirit
Description: Sermons and the preaching of God's Word are powerful tools that God uses to convict and transform lives. The Holy Spirit works through these messages to penetrate hearts, convict of sin, and draw people closer to God. It is essential to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit in every sermon to ensure it impacts lives meaningfully. The spoken Word, through sermons and preaching, convicts and encourages us, reminding us of God's love and righteousness. [58:23]

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Reflection: Think about the last sermon that deeply impacted you. How did the Holy Spirit use that message to convict or encourage you? What changes did you make as a result?

Day 5: Embracing the Crucified Word of God
Description: Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate roadblock on the highway to hell. His wounds, bruises, and the chastisement He bore for our peace are constant reminders of His love and the price He paid for our salvation. Embracing the crucified Christ is essential for eternal life and avoiding eternal separation from God. The crucified Word stands as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, offering us redemption and eternal life. [17:18]

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How does reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more fully in the light of His sacrifice?

Quotes

1. "How many times do we try to do that? We're always trying to give God more information than we think he already has. How many of you know God already knows? All right? And nothing you're going to encounter is taking him by surprise. And I love the way that Jesus looks at him, and he says, here's what I want you to do. I want you to roll the stone away." [14:47] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "What you believe about eternity. Determines how you will live today. So what you believe about eternity. Is going to fashion. And shape and form you. Not only at the moment. But it's going to set you into motion. About how you're going to believe. How you're going to live. And so it's important. That we address some of these topics." [35:47] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If your good was good enough. Christ came for no reason at all. But your good is not good enough. That's why we needed a savior. The message goes on. From what we learned out of the survey. It also revealed that the same preachers. Over 30% of them. Would not affirm. That salvation is based upon an individual. Confessing their sins. And accepting Jesus Christ. As their personal savior and lord." [41:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There is a way that seemeth right unto man. But in the end thereof. Leads to destruction. So look at your neighbor. And tell him with a nice good smile. Husband. If your wife is sitting beside you. Look the other way and tell them. Here's what I want you to tell them. And I say this. I'm not trying to complain. But I'm trying to get a point across. Tell them you ain't smart as you think you are." [42:46] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God's patient. And he's working on you right now. Last week we saw that there is a hell. And what an awful place it is. We saw that hell is a place of extreme and unceasing suffering. That is a place of anguish. Because of tormenting. Both of physical and the mind. Of memories. And of unceasing remorse. And or regret. We saw that it is a place of everlasting shame. And contempt." [47:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You don't have to go to hell. No one has to go to hell. So help me. Help me. Help me. Look at your neighbor and tell him you don't have to go to hell. God's patient. And he's working on you right now." [47:43] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You are going to be held. Responsible. For your choices. This is not something. That you can look back and say. But my mama told me. You are not going to be able. To blame it on grandma. I love my grandma. And I love my mama. But I am going to be honest with you. I am not going to heaven because of my mama. I am going to heaven because of the truth. That is found in the living word of God. I am going to heaven. In the name of Jesus." [50:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The Bible is one of the greatest hindrances. To sin in the world. With its warnings. And with its invitations. With its descriptions of the character. And the consequences of sin. With its representations of the beauty. And the reward of righteousness. With its wonderful pictures of God. And God's love. The Bible is a great obstacle. To man's continuance in sin. It is a part. An important part. Of God's blockage. His blockade on the road to hell." [53:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The word of God becomes a mirror to the individual. And when you look in it. James says that we look into the word of God intently. And then we forget what it says. In other words it's like looking in the mirror. And forgetting what you look like. And you walk away. Knowing that you're wretched. And a sinner. And that you need a savior. But you discount it all and say. Nah I don't agree with that. I must be okay like I am." [55:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit. Joint and marrow. It judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart. In other words. The word of God is reading you right now. And it's piercing into your life. And those things that you're feeling uncomfortable about right now. Good. Because God's getting us. This roadblock. Is something that you're going to have to deal with." [01:01:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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