TITLE: No Backup

TEXT: Psalm 73:25-26: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And being with You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Introduction:

1. There is no hope without Jesus Christ.

2. We are accustomed to having a back up plan.

3. If A does not work – try B.

Moon Landing

1. They separated from the main rocket – travelled toward the moon.

2. They landed – sent back pictures and sound.

3. Then they were ready to leave.

   1. They pushed the buttons to start the engines – they started.

   2. What if - - - there was no back up.

   3. I have read that Richard Nixon had a speech prepared – just in case they were trapped on the moon and could not leave.

We Depend on Backups

1. Financial: Checking – Savings – 401K – Pension plan – Social Security

2. We have a second car – many have a third.

3. In many homes there are more cars than people.

4. We have a freezer – and freezer in the refrigerator – just in case.

5. AND an old refrigerator in the garage – for extra back up.

Most of the IMPORTANT things in life have no backup!

1. Sun – 27,000 degrees –

   1. It takes 8 minutes, 20 seconds for the light to reach earth

   2. What if the sun stops, burns out, explodes?

2. Heart – weighs one pound, the size of your fist

   1. It pumps100,000 times a day

   2. In one hour it lifts the equivalent of 1.5 tons

3. Life -

   1. There is one life – You only go around once.

   2. Parent talking to HS grad – What then? College – What then? Job – What then? Marry, family – What then? Retire, travel – What then?

4. God is not a backup -

   1. If our life fails – we go to plan B

   2. If our life collapses – we start praying

   3. God becomes a “fire escape”

   4. Start making promises – back to church, read Bible, correct morals

   5. God does not want to be your backup.

Judas did not learn this lesson

1. Judas thought Jesus would not be taken

2. He can escape – disappear

3. Jesus was just a way for Judas to get what he wanted – money

4. There was no back up plan B.

There Is No Plan “B” for Salvation

1. John 8:24 – Believe or die in your sins

2. John 14:6 – No man comes to the Father but by me

3. Mark 16:15-16 – Believe and be baptized

4. John 10:1 – Jesus is door – climb in other way = thief and robber

There Is No Plan “B” for the Church

1. Matthew 16:18 – I will build my church

2. Ephesians 4:4 – one body

3. Ephesians 1:22-23 – Church is the body of Christ

There Is No Plan “B” for Worship

1. John 4:24 – Worship God in spirit and truth

2. Colossians 3:16 – Sing – psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

3. I Corinthians 11:23-26 – Communion

4. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Give freely, not of necessity, God loves cheerful giver

There Is No Plan “B” for Conduct Among Brethren

1. Ephesians 4:29 – Nothing corrupt – only what will edify

2. Ephesians 4:30 – Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking

3. Philippians 2:3 – No selfish ambition, each esteem others better than self

There Is No Plan “B” for Church Growth

1. I Peter 2:9 – Chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation

2. Matthew 28:19 – Go and make disciples, teach them to observe all things

3. Mark 16:15 – Go preach the gospel to every creature

4. Ephesians 4:11-16 – Saints equipped for work of ministry, edifying the body

Conclusion:

1. Jesus – John 14:6 “I am the way – No man comes to the Father except by me”

2. Many think there MUST be some other way – for Muslims, Hindus, Jews, etc.

3. There is no Plan B.