What is keeping you?

Obeying the Gospel? We are called upon to obey the gospel Acts 22:16 Baptism - Mark 16:16 Acts 2:38-41 Hear (Romans 10:17) Believe (John 3:16, Romans 10:10) Repent (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30-31) Confess (Romans 10:9-10)

Obeying the Gospel? When we fail to obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, 2:9-12 Wrath awaits those who do not receive the love of the truth Mark 16:16 – condemned Romans 2:7-8 – those who do not obey the truth…indignation and wrath

Obeying the Gospel? Why some put off obeying the gospel A realization of the seriousness of the commitment Doubts about being able to remain faithful – there is no perfect time! Not ready to give up the world – Matthew 19:22, 16:24-26

Growing spiritually? We know we need to grow – 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 2:2 Matthew 6:33 Failure to grow leads to mediocrity and could have eternal consequences Hebrews 5:12-14 rebuke for failure to grow

Growing spiritually? Why some put off proper growth Too busy – Matthew 13:22 Too worldly – 1 John 2:15-17 Too indifferent – Matthew 24:12, Revelation 2:4-5, 3:15-16 Too lazy – Hebrews 6:11-12 WHICH of these excuses will God accept?

Repenting Part of obeying the gospel – Acts 2:38 Part of the Christian’s walk when he sins – Acts 8:22 (1 John 1:9) True repentance – 2 Corinthians 7:11 When we fail to repent – Luke 13:3, 5, Revelation 2:5, etc.

Repenting Why some put off repentance They don’t think they need to repent They think they have plenty of time It is hard to do what is needed They don’t really want to change – many want God to accept their terms

Becoming part of the church? We are speaking of a local congregation When we become Christians we are added to His church – Acts 2:47, Colossians 1:13, etc. The church is part of God’s plan - Ephesians 3:10-11, 1:22-23, Matthew 16:18, etc. Where would our society be without local congregations?

Becoming part of the church? Reasons people put off identifying with a local congregation They are looking for the right congregation to work with – temporary They don’t want to commit to be involved They do not want to be accountable to the elders and members

Going to heaven Are we not here because we want to go to heaven when life is over It is our hope – Colossians 1:5, Hebrews 6:19 One day we will answer to God for what was important to us. There will be eternal consequences – Matthew 25:46

Going to heaven What could keep us out of heaven? When we don’t obey the gospel When we fail to grow as we ought to When we refuse to repent When we fail to see the importance of His church and live it ????

Acts 24:25 – Felix trembled and put off responding Ultimately, the REAL thing that will keep you from doing what you need to do is… YOU!

What is keeping you from being ready to stand before God?