Rescue #2: Life Preserver -- 032013

I.                   Read Genesis 6:9-22

II.                Noah

a.       Reason for the Flood

                                                              i.      Why did God want to destroy the whole earth?  Because it was full of sin.  Sin brings about judgment from God that results in destruction. 

b.      Need for a Life Preserver

                                                              i.      In order for humanity to survive there had to be a life preserve introduced.  It had to be strong enough to save humans and animals during this flood that was coming.

c.       Life Preserver Created

                                                              i.      So God told Noah to build an ark that would be able to hold 2 of every animal, plus Noah, his wife, his 3 sons and their wives, additional animals to eat, and enough food to survive over a year on this boat. 

                                                            ii.      It ends up being 450 feet long by 75 feet wide by 45 feet high.  This was about 3 of our churches laid end to end. 

                                                          iii.      So the ability to be saved was set up.

III.             Getting Lost at Youth Conference

IV.             Jesus

a.       Reason for the Destruction

                                                              i.      Why is this world falling apart?  Why is that you are full of issues in your life?  Why is that you are so distant from God?  Why are you not content?  Because sin brings about destruction.  Which will end with judgment and ultimately hell for eternity.

b.      Need for a Life Preserver

                                                              i.      We need something or someone to rescue us.  It has to be powerful enough to preserve us.  Meaning enough to forgive all our sins and restore our relationship with God now and for eternity.

c.       Life Preserver Introduced

                                                              i.      Matthew 1:20-21 – “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.””

                                                            ii.      Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

                                                          iii.      The ability to be saved was set up.  Jesus was sent to this earth to save people form their sins.  He came and then he even sees this as his calling.  He came to seek and save what was lost.  Those of us that have become lost in our lives, wandering around not knowing where to go next.  He is that beacon saying, “I can save you, I can get you on the right path, I can take away your guilt, I can forgive you, that is why I came.”

V.                Conclusion

a.       Do you need a life preserver?  Do you need to be saved? 

Application: Who is someone who is lost?  How can I seek them out?  How will I seek them out?  Easter Egg Hunt Revelation