Even So Come Lord Jesus
The sermon emphasizes the urgency of inviting others to Christ and living in readiness for His imminent return.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the urgency of Jesus' return in his sermon 'Even So Come Lord Jesus,' urging believers to be in harmony with the Holy Spirit and actively share the Gospel. He challenges the congregation to examine their relationship with God, warning that a lack of spiritual growth and failure to win souls may indicate a serious spiritual condition. Stegen reminds listeners that Jesus' return is imminent and encourages them to live righteously, as they are closer to His second coming than ever before. The call to 'come' is not just an invitation but a command to be ready and engaged in God's work. He concludes with a plea for personal accountability and readiness for Christ's return.
Text
Rev 22:16 - 21, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
* "The Spirit and the bride say, 'come!'" - May you be so one with the Holy Spirit that whatever He says you say, whatever He does you do, and whatever He desires you desire!
Are you obeying the Great Commission and speak to others about their souls and invite them to Christ as the Holy Spirit invites them? Are things settled between you and God so that He can work through you? Has He been able to work through you during this past year?
If you do not win others to the Lord it is doubtful that you are a Christian yourself.
If you know the fellowship of the Holy Spirit you will be able to discern. The Holy Spirit has no fellowship with sin. You cannot claim to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit or love God while you hold on to grudges against your brother, or live in sexual promiscuity.
Your fire for God and His Kingdom should also have grown over the past year, otherwise your salt has lost its saltiness and you are in grave danger.
* "Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus" - These phrases are not to be used indiscriminately and irreverently.
Jesus' return is imminent. We are alread 2007 years closer to His second coming.
We should live as if Jesus would return today. It would be terrible if Jesus should return and find you idle or still busy with your sin. Get right with God today.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the call of the Spirit and the bride - Understanding the invitation to come to Christ - The urgency of the message
- II points: - The consequences of altering God's word - The importance of faithfulness to scripture - Warnings against complacency
- III points: - The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives - Fellowship with the Holy Spirit and its implications - The necessity of obedience and evangelism
- IV points: - The imminent return of Jesus - Living in anticipation of Christ's return - Personal reflection on spiritual readiness
- V points: - The importance of spiritual growth - Assessing one's fire for God - The danger of losing one's saltiness
Key Quotes
“The Spirit and the bride say, 'come!'” — Erlo Stegen
“If you do not win others to the Lord it is doubtful that you are a Christian yourself.” — Erlo Stegen
“Get right with God today.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Evaluate your relationship with the Holy Spirit and ensure you are aligned with His desires.
- Engage actively in sharing your faith and inviting others to experience Christ.
- Reflect on your spiritual growth over the past year and take steps to rekindle your passion for God.