Heaven Opened

Opening Times - Things that are opened

Sunday June 7th 2020. We begin a BRAND NEW sermon series ‘Opening Times’. Preaching from Nathan Gordon.

Sorry we are closed!

Have you ever rushed out last minute trying to get to the post office or shop, only to be greeted with a sign on the door “Sorry we are closed”? There is a sense of disappointment and frustration as what you need is on the other side of a locked door, and you don’t have access to enter for your desired needs.

John the Baptist

Having received his purpose to prepare the way of the Lord’s coming, John began to preach repentance in the region of the Jordan. His simple yet powerful message was to signal the arrival of the ‘main event’ who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. John’s life and ministry remained selfless and passionate, as he preached without fear and favour whilst issuing words of chastisement where needed.

Heaven’s open access through Jesus! – Verse 21

Sin caused separation from God and ultimately eternal damnation because the wages of sin is death. However, the great news of the Gospel is access to eternal life with God is made possible through the sacrificial lamb of God paying the ultimate price for our sins on the Cross, and His triumphal resurrection. Through Jesus, the world has opened access to a changed life on earth, but also the great future of eternal life in Heaven.

The Father is pleased – Verse 22

As Jesus was Baptised Luke recalls there was praying and the opening of Heaven which preceded the following encounters;

– The Holy Spirit descended like a dove
– A voice spoke from heaven which said “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee, I am well pleased”

The Father’s affirmation of Jesus’ impending ministry on earth and the path laid before Him to die for the Sins of humanity, brought sheer joy to the Father. In like manner when Humanity responds to the call of salvation through Jesus, the Father is pleased with us because “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons/daughters of God” [1 John 3:1]

Challenge

Like the people around the Jordan is our focus aligned in the right direction, with the right motives? John’s call to the people was to show fruit worthy of repentance, a changed life rather than just external righteousness.

Prayerfully this week allow the Holy Spirit to show us what things need to be changed in our lives so they can be addressed and dealt with through repentance and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Like John, we too have a call to promote the main event! Jesus the way, truth and life is to be preached around the world, so the joy of Heaven can be shared to all humanity. Let us continue to share Jesus with our friends, neighbours, family members and even allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to people we don’t even know, that might just be crying out for change.