How you should treat money as a Christian?

I know it must bite you hard on this salient and yet trivialized issue called money when you are a Christian.
A lot of people like you and I don't want to talk about it, yet it seems the yet domineering major in our daily conversational violin. It's so  hard to get by one topic without the discourse of finance not creeping into the discussion and you would find everybody blaming one party to the other, from government to tax men, to secret society to communism and all what not.
Whether you like it or not there is just one simple answer to this problem that seems so herculean that we never seem to get the David to defeat it.
As gruffy as I may seem with my words and with so many ambiguities, it seems to hold sway that with all solution providers out there, one would not only be fooled to believe the conspiring agents who call themselves the great intelligent and yet myopic gurus, not only fail in their strategies but will never solve your problems.
My point of discourse is that you would fail at analyzing this issue unless you take a brief look at the tabloids and see for yourselves the ever changing "infornosphere". There are many experts who would themselves were very relevant in their limited and evolving techniques, that today hold no water when it comes to the trust you put in them in your risk assessment. True?
As a Christian you should always ''seek what is above'', Col. 3: 1 says, which is where you really are actually, because, you are an ambassador whose stay here is limited,  ''we brought nothing to this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out'' (1Tim. 6: 17).
This simple scripture sums it all up, ''having food and raiment let us therewith be content''.
What should dominate your mind is survival and how to leave this world with a bounty awaiting you in glory.

I know it may seem stupid but actually in the real sense that is what God would tell you on the day of judgement except the present rule which is what we are to live is the new testament revealed by the pages of the scriptures.

For more check here https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/m/money-and-christian-6-session-study.html

Why we ought to pray always- Tosin Emmanuel

Paul's command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing," can be confusing. Obviously, it cannot mean we are to be in a head-bowed, eyes-closed posture all day long. Paul is not referring to non-stop talking, but rather an attitude of God-consciousness and God-surrender that we carry with us all the time. Every waking moment is to be lived in an awareness that God is with us and that He is actively involved and engaged in our thoughts and actions.

When our thoughts turn to worry, fear, discouragement, and anger, we are to consciously and quickly turn every thought into prayer and every prayer into thanksgiving. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul commands us to stop being anxious and instead, "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). 

He taught the believers at Colossae to devote themselves "to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2).  As we go through the day, prayer should be our first response to every fearful situation, every anxious thought, and every undesired task that God commands. A lack of prayer will cause us to depend on ourselves instead of depending on God's grace. Unceasing prayer is, in essence, continual dependence upon and communion with the Father.

For Christians, prayer should be like breathing. You do not have to think to breathe because the atmosphere exerts pressure on your lungs and essentially forces you to breathe. That is why it is more difficult to hold your breath than it is to breathe. Similarly, when we are born into the family of God, we enter into a spiritual atmosphere where God's presence and grace exert pressure, or influence, on our lives. Prayer is the normal response to that pressure. As believers, we have all entered the divine atmosphere to breathe the air of prayer.

Unfortunately, many believers hold their "spiritual breath" for long periods, thinking brief moments with God are sufficient to allow them to survive. But such restricting of their spiritual intake is caused by sinful desires. The fact is that every believer must be continually in the presence of God, constantly breathing in His truths, to be fully functional.

It is easier for Christians to feel secure by presuming on"instead of depending on"God's grace. Too many believers become satisfied with physical blessings and have little desire for spiritual ones. When programs, methods, and money produce impressive results, there is an inclination to confuse human success with divine blessing. When that happens, passionate longing for God and yearning for His help will be missing. Continual, persistent, incessant prayer is an essential part of Christian living and flows out of humility and dependence on God.

A little from scriptures about money...........

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Matthew 19:21-26 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”  Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first

Mark 4:19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;  do not trust your own cleverness.Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

James 5:1-6 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has enough;    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.   This too is meaningless.

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,  but righteousness delivers from death.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world nor the things in the world If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Psalms 49:10-12 For he sees that even wise men die; the stupid and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses are forever and their dwelling places to all generations; they have called their lands after their own names. But man in his pomp will not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 62:10 ..if riches increase, do not set your heart on them

Luke 16:14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”

Bible Verses About Contentment

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 6:6-12 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Cor. 12:9-10 “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” …Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;  then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Corinthians 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Luke 6:32-35 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Matthew 6:2-5 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Deuteronomy 16:17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

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'.

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.