Jesus in your house today.....what do you think?

 Some of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus if for no other reason, at least for the children's song about a wee little man. He was a man who was "little of stature" or today we would call him 'vertically challenged'. There are a number of other things we learn about him from our passage: he was wealthy, he was a tax-collector, and, most importantly, he desired to see Jesus.

I would like for us to focus on one phrase in our text this morning. Note verse 5, "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Did you catch that? Jesus said, ' to day I must abide at thy house." In the words of my childhood it would be this, "Ready or not here I come!" Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, because He was coming to visit his house. We aren't really told why Jesus said this, but we do know that Jesus went home with Zacchaeus that day, and his life was never the same. May I interject this morning that if Jesus comes to your house, so to speak, your life will never be the same again! Perhaps you have heard this poem before. It asks the question, what if Jesus came to your house today?

 If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest And the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You'd keep assuring Him, you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? 

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

What if Jesus came today? Have you thought about that? If Jesus came today, let me share some thoughts from the Scripture about what would happen.

I. First of all, Jesus is Coming Back!

A. Who: Jesus

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

B. When: Soon

Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. C. How: Literally

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

D. Why: He Promised

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

E. What is taking so long?

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II. What if Jesus Came Back Today?

A. The dead in Christ will be raised.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [5]

1. Note the phrase 'dead in Christ'.

2. Paul is talking about those who have accepted Christ and then pass away.

3. For the believer, death is only a passing from this world to be with God.

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4. The grave for the believer is not a place of despair…it is a place of hope.

5. When the Lord returns, He will resurrect all those who are the 'dead in Christ'.

Jesus in your house today.....what do you think?

 Some of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus if for no other reason, at least for the children's song about a wee little man. He was a man who was "little of stature" or today we would call him 'vertically challenged'. There are a number of other things we learn about him from our passage: he was wealthy, he was a tax-collector, and, most importantly, he desired to see Jesus.

I would like for us to focus on one phrase in our text this morning. Note verse 5, "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Did you catch that? Jesus said, ' to day I must abide at thy house." In the words of my childhood it would be this, "Ready or not here I come!" Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, because He was coming to visit his house. We aren't really told why Jesus said this, but we do know that Jesus went home with Zacchaeus that day, and his life was never the same. May I interject this morning that if Jesus comes to your house, so to speak, your life will never be the same again! Perhaps you have heard this poem before. It asks the question, what if Jesus came to your house today?

 If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest And the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You'd keep assuring Him, you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? 

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

What if Jesus came today? Have you thought about that? If Jesus came today, let me share some thoughts from the Scripture about what would happen.

I. First of all, Jesus is Coming Back!

A. Who: Jesus

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

B. When: Soon

Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. C. How: Literally

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

D. Why: He Promised

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

E. What is taking so long?

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II. What if Jesus Came Back Today?

A. The dead in Christ will be raised.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [5]

1. Note the phrase 'dead in Christ'.

2. Paul is talking about those who have accepted Christ and then pass away.

3. For the believer, death is only a passing from this world to be with God.

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4. The grave for the believer is not a place of despair…it is a place of hope.

5. When the Lord returns, He will resurrect all those who are the 'dead in Christ'.

Jesus in your house today.....what do you think?

 Some of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus if for no other reason, at least for the children's song about a wee little man. He was a man who was "little of stature" or today we would call him 'vertically challenged'. There are a number of other things we learn about him from our passage: he was wealthy, he was a tax-collector, and, most importantly, he desired to see Jesus.

I would like for us to focus on one phrase in our text this morning. Note verse 5, "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Did you catch that? Jesus said, ' to day I must abide at thy house." In the words of my childhood it would be this, "Ready or not here I come!" Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, because He was coming to visit his house. We aren't really told why Jesus said this, but we do know that Jesus went home with Zacchaeus that day, and his life was never the same. May I interject this morning that if Jesus comes to your house, so to speak, your life will never be the same again! Perhaps you have heard this poem before. It asks the question, what if Jesus came to your house today?

 If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest And the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You'd keep assuring Him, you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? 

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

What if Jesus came today? Have you thought about that? If Jesus came today, let me share some thoughts from the Scripture about what would happen.

I. First of all, Jesus is Coming Back!

A. Who: Jesus

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

B. When: Soon

Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. C. How: Literally

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

D. Why: He Promised

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

E. What is taking so long?

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II. What if Jesus Came Back Today?

A. The dead in Christ will be raised.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [5]

1. Note the phrase 'dead in Christ'.

2. Paul is talking about those who have accepted Christ and then pass away.

3. For the believer, death is only a passing from this world to be with God.

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4. The grave for the believer is not a place of despair…it is a place of hope.

5. When the Lord returns, He will resurrect all those who are the 'dead in Christ'.

Jesus in your house today.....what do you think?

 Some of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus if for no other reason, at least for the children's song about a wee little man. He was a man who was "little of stature" or today we would call him 'vertically challenged'. There are a number of other things we learn about him from our passage: he was wealthy, he was a tax-collector, and, most importantly, he desired to see Jesus.

I would like for us to focus on one phrase in our text this morning. Note verse 5, "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Did you catch that? Jesus said, ' to day I must abide at thy house." In the words of my childhood it would be this, "Ready or not here I come!" Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, because He was coming to visit his house. We aren't really told why Jesus said this, but we do know that Jesus went home with Zacchaeus that day, and his life was never the same. May I interject this morning that if Jesus comes to your house, so to speak, your life will never be the same again! Perhaps you have heard this poem before. It asks the question, what if Jesus came to your house today?

 If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest And the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You'd keep assuring Him, you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? 

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

What if Jesus came today? Have you thought about that? If Jesus came today, let me share some thoughts from the Scripture about what would happen.

I. First of all, Jesus is Coming Back!

A. Who: Jesus

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

B. When: Soon

Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. C. How: Literally

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

D. Why: He Promised

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

E. What is taking so long?

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II. What if Jesus Came Back Today?

A. The dead in Christ will be raised.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [5]

1. Note the phrase 'dead in Christ'.

2. Paul is talking about those who have accepted Christ and then pass away.

3. For the believer, death is only a passing from this world to be with God.

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4. The grave for the believer is not a place of despair…it is a place of hope.

5. When the Lord returns, He will resurrect all those who are the 'dead in Christ'.

What if Jesus came today.....

Most of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus if for no other reason, at least for the children's song about a wee little man. He was a man who was "little of stature" or today we would call him 'vertically challenged'. There are a number of other things we learn about him from our passage: he was wealthy, he was a tax-collector, and, most importantly, he desired to see Jesus.

I would like for us to focus on one phrase in our text this morning. Note verse 5, "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." Did you catch that? Jesus said, ' to day I must abide at thy house." In the words of my childhood it would be this, "Ready or not here I come!" Jesus tells Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, because He was coming to visit his house. We aren't really told why Jesus said this, but we do know that Jesus went home with Zacchaeus that day, and his life was never the same. May I interject this morning that if Jesus comes to your house, so to speak, your life will never be the same again! Perhaps you have heard this poem before. It asks the question, what if Jesus came to your house today?

 If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do

I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest And the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You'd keep assuring Him, you're glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Savior spent a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day? 

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

What if Jesus came today? Have you thought about that? If Jesus came today, let me share some thoughts from the Scripture about what would happen.

I. First of all, Jesus is Coming Back!

A. Who: Jesus

Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

B. When: Soon

Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. C. How: Literally

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

D. Why: He Promised

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

E. What is taking so long?

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II. What if Jesus Came Back Today?

A. The dead in Christ will be raised.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [5]

1. Note the phrase 'dead in Christ'.

2. Paul is talking about those who have accepted Christ and then pass away.

3. For the believer, death is only a passing from this world to be with God.

2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

4. The grave for the believer is not a place of despair…it is a place of hope.

5. When the Lord returns, He will resurrect all those who are the 'dead in Christ'.

Occupy till I come

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Other translations say; Do business - till I come.

In other words engage in trade with what you have been given. Take what you have and put it to work. Stay busy with what I have given to you. Make this money grow. If you are in business and you are not growing you have become stagnant. It’s no different with the church. If we aren’t going foreword, then we’ve become stagnant. You can’t be both.

The Greek word used for occupy is pragmateuomai

from GSN4229; to busy oneself with, i.e. to trade:

W.E. Vines says occupy - "to walk," is sometimes used of the state in which one is living, or of that to which a person is given,

When you look at the modern church, you see it is busy as a whole, but are they accomplishing what God has given to them? Is the church occupying, or is it just setting on its laurels of past glories and waiting for the Lord to return. Is this what He called us to do? Is this what will hasten His return? Jesus said this to the church:

Revelation 3:16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.

The lord loves us more than we can fathom. I know he didn’t say this to create fear, but as an admonition. In the last days, many will fall away from the faith. Satan knows his time is short, and he’s out doing everything he can to sabotage the faith of the saints.

Matthew 24:10 "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11. "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

12. "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

He also went on to say in vs. 24. "For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

We’re in the last days, but we are also in the greatest time to be alive since the beginning of creation. No one knows the exact time of His coming, but we certainly could be a part of the generation that ushers in His return. Shouldn’t we be about the Lords business?

We are the ones called to such a time as this! Step out and take your God given place in His kingdom. Don’t be afraid. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He wants us to accomplish certain things while we are here on the Earth but he also is one hundred percent behind us, supporting us all the way.

There will be a day when many will look back with regrets and say I could have done so much more. God gave me all these abilities and talents and anointing, what do I have to show for all of that? I don’t want to be one of those do you? I have regrets in my life and Satan has tried to hold things over my head. However, I’ve learned to not look back at my mess ups, but rather to look ahead at what I can still accomplish. I have been forgiven and I will go on! Once again I will say, if God is for me who can be against me! I will say even as the Apostle Paul.