Sermon Tone Analysis

GODLESS IN THE LAST DAYS

Noah in the 21 Century.

And we thought we had problems!

If Noah had lived in the United States in the last 10 years, the story of Noah and the Ark may have gone like this:

And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, “In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is destroyed.

But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on the earth.

Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark.”

In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the ark.

“Remember,” said the Lord, “you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year.”

Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and the seas of the earth went into a tumult.

The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping.

“Noah!”

He shouted.

“Where is the Ark?” “Lord, please forgive me,” cried Noah.

“I did my best, but there were big problems.”

“First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes.

I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans.

Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices.

Then my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission.”

“Then, I had a problem getting enough wood for the Ark because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owls.

I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the wood to save the owls.

However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won’t let me take the two owls.

The carpenters formed a union and went on strike.

I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer.

Now, I have sixteen carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls.”

“When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me.

They objected to me taking only two of each kind aboard.

This suit suit is pending.

Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that I could not complete me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your purpose flood.

They didn’t take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the Universe.

Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed flood plain.

I sent them a globe.”

“Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard.

The IRS has seized my assets claiming that I’m building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes.

I just got noticed from the state that I owe the some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a recreational water craft.’

And finally the ACLU got a court to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it’s a religious event and therefore unconstitutional> I really don’t think I can finish the Ark for another five to six years.”

Noah waited.

The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm.

A rainbow arched across the sky.

Noah looked up hopefully.

“You mean you’re not going to destroy the earth, Lord?”

“No,” He said sadly.

“I don’t have to.

The government already has.”

I read this and thought to myself that this really fit my message today.

“Godless in the Last Days”

: 1-9

: 1-5

Paul’s reference to the “Last Days” reveals his sense of urgency.

The Last Days began after Jesus’ resurrection, when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost.

They will continue until His Second Coming.

In other words, “We are living in the Last Days.”

Let’s break down today’s “Society” and this is what we see.

Our Phones are Wireless,

Our Cooking is Fireless,

Our Cars are Keyless,

Our Food is Fatless,

Our Dresses are Sleeveless,

Our Relationships are Meaningless,

Our Attitudes are Careless,

Our Feelings are Heartless,

Our Babies are Fatherless,

Our Children are Mannerless,

Our Education is Valueless,

Our Youth are Jobless,

Our Country is Godless,

Our Leaders are Shameless,

Our Politicians are Worthless,

Our Government is Clueless,

Our Pastors are speechless and Holinessless!

This sums up our Worlds Society in a nut shell.

Paul’s descriptive list of behavior in the last days describes our society, and even, unfortunately, many Christians.

2 Timothy 3:1-

LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD.

Why is it so tempting to love pleasure more than God?

Pleasure is something we can control.

Most pleasures can be obtained easily,

Pleasure benefits us now,

Pleasure has a narcotic effect,

It’s addictive,

It takes our minds off ourselves and our problems,

Pleasures cooperates with pride.

It makes us feel good when we look good in the eyes of others.

God cannot be Controlled.

Love requires effort and sometimes sacrifice,

Loving God are often in the future,

Love for God reminds us of our needs and responsibilities.

To love God we must lay aside our pride and our accomplishments.

Have you chosen to love pleasure, or to love God?

HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.

What does this mean?

sAY, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

The form or appearance of godliness includes;

Going to church,

Knowing Christian doctrine,

Using Christian cliches,

Following a community’s Christian traditions.

Such practices can;

Make a person look good,

but it’s inner attitudes of;

belief,

love,