Last Call (Opening Day)

Notes: Last Call (Opening Day)

Luke 23:32–43

Guest Pastor Levi Lusko

Thursday, March 26, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.

If Jesus hasn't risen then what are we doing here?

Jesus went to the grave like we go to a hotel room, He only needed it for the weekend!

God always saves the best wine for the end of the feast! The best is on its way.

Luke 23:32-43 NKJV

[32] There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. [33] And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. [35] And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." [36] The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, [37] and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself." [38] And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." [40] But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." [42] Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." [43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Last Call...closing time. A call to action, you need to act now.

Why do we take notes in church? Maybe we will take something into our hearts that will speak to us or someone else in the future!

Alternate message title... Opening Day.

Why does our opening day matter in this message? Because it is an invitation we had not had in the past. The veil in Heaven was torn for the first time and Heaven had become how as it is today.

Who you hang out with will inevitably determine where you end up.

Proverbs 1:10 NKJV

[10] My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

These criminals on the cross were together and they end up on the cross, yet Barabbas was set free.

Jesus literally died on Barabbas' cross. It is a perfect picture of how Jesus substituted for us.

Jesus took the hit for you! Jesus died so you can live.

Philippians 2:8 NKJV

[8] And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

It's a picture of humility.

It's an instance of fulfilled prophecy.

Isaiah 53:12 NKJV

[12] Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

It was prophesied that He would be buried with the rich.

Jesus borrowed a grave to fulfill prophecy!

No one else has borrowed a grave for a weekend before.

Those who are healthy don't need a doctor, Jesus came for us because we are broken and hurt.

Matthew 27:44 NKJV

[44] Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

People were mocking Jesus.

The four Gospels are four different angles of the same event giving different perspectives.

This change to the thief on the cross was an Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition

We all are after what only Jesus can give, eternal life.

Three things we need to know about Heaven:

1. Heaven is certain

Luke 23:43 NKJV

[43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

"Assuredly" is like a confirmation number for us.

This was a promise from God.

Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

[19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

Jesus is the anchor in our storms of life.

All of Heaven and Earth will pass away and the Lords Word will remain.

John 14:3 NKJV

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

2. Heaven is near.

Jesus offers same day delivery to Heaven.

Your first responsibility is to rest in the Lord.

Acts 7:59-60 NKJV

[59] And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

We never know when a small act of obedience will pay off in massive ways.

Father into your hands I commit my spirit today.

Luke 23:46 NKJV

[46] And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.'" Having said this, He breathed His last.

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

[7] casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Act 7 reads like Heaven is just right here above us.

3. Heaven is being with Jesus.

Luke 23:43 NKJV

[43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Heaven is paradise. A walled garden of delights.

Before Heaven is a place, it is a person.

Philippians 1:23 NKJV

[23] For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

You don't go to Heaven to get to Jesus, you go to Jesus to get to Heaven.

The reason this message is called the Last Call... Because there is a hope for everyone until the last breath.

The veil was torn as Jesus died, making Heaven the way that it is today. It's final format till He brings Heaven to earth.

Religion can't save anyone but Jesus can save everyone!!!