Nathan Lawson’s sermon about the most imprtant word in Bible prophecy focused on Christians being ready for whatever happens next. Whether it be death or another 20 years of life, are you walking in the light, are you a living sacrifice, is there oil in your lamp, and are you ready for judgement day? So the most important word turns out to be READY. He used the following scriptures: Matt. 24: 1-3, Matt. 24:35-36, Matt. 24:44, Luke 13:22-25, Luke 13:28-29, and Eph.5:25.
Audio can be heard by clicking on this link -> 3-3-12 sermon
Nathan Lawson is an Elder at the Conroe Church of God 7th Day and lives in Conroe, TX. He is the recently retired pastor of the Conroe church and preaches upon request.
Nathan’s sermon brought to mind the Gutenbuerg Bible, the first movable type printing (of the Vulgate version in Latin) published around 1450 AD. We are so blessed to have such a selection of Bibles to read from that it seems like the way it has always been, but prior to 1450 the avaialbility of the scripture was not good. The Catholic Vulgate version was created in the 4th century and was in Latin. This Bible and other versions of the scripture were closely held and the common man had no way to see them, if he could read nor understand the reading of them, unless he understood Latin. So the scripture was controlled by the clergy and nobles and the Holy Spirit ministered to the people through ministers both common and clergy. The Bible is a record of the Word of God and we live by the Spirit.
In Eastern Europe under communism, the church was persecuted and Bibles were confiscated and not allowed to be imported or printed. This went on for 50 years, which is nothing compared to 1450 years. However, it was enough to make generations of people live without access to the scriptures. At the end of that era, the churches florished and the absence of the printed Word during that time proved that the Spirit ministered to the people in alternate ways. Praise God for supplying the need, whatever it is.
I think my point is that the Spirit and our commitment to the Spirit of God is the necessary ingredient for us to be ready. Let us use the Bible we have and be thankful for it.
David, evidently thought so: Psa 51:11– Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. NIV
I am so very thankful for this archive of sermons and brotherly comments.