The Days of Warning Are Over By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Genesis 6:5-7 (NIV)
"The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, 'I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds, and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.'"
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Introduction
The message of "The Days of Warning Are Over" echoes the gravity of God’s judgment upon a sinful and unrepentant generation. As in the days of Noah, humanity persists in its rebellion, ignoring the warnings of God while indulging in sin. This sermon highlights God’s patience, the consequences of disobedience, and the necessity of entering the “ark of safety” that is found in Christ. The message serves as both a caution and an invitation to reflect on the urgency of living in alignment with God’s will.
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God’s Patience in the Days of Noah
Genesis 6:3 (NIV)
"Then the Lord said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.'"
God’s patience was evident during the days of Noah as He delayed His judgment, giving humanity time to repent. The ark, being built over decades, stood as a visible warning and a call to salvation. Yet, the people chose to mock and ignore the message, leading to their ultimate destruction. Today, God’s patience continues as He waits for sinners to turn back to Him, but His forbearance will not last forever.
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The Greed for Sin and Its Consequences
Romans 1:28-32 (NIV)
"Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done... Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."
The people of Noah’s time were consumed by their love for sin. They disregarded the warnings and persisted in their evil ways. Similarly, the world today is characterized by greed for sin and moral decay. The consequences of such actions are severe, leading to the outpouring of God’s wrath.
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The Ark of Safety: A Call to Enter
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Just as Noah and his family found refuge in the ark, Christ is the ultimate ark of safety for believers. Entering into Him means forsaking the world’s pleasures and abiding in His will. Those who fail to heed this call will face the wrath of God, but those who dwell in Christ will be kept safe through the storms of judgment.
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The Wrath of God Revealed
Nahum 1:2-3 (NIV)
"The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished."
God’s wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin and rebellion. The judgment of the flood serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment to come. It is a reminder that God’s justice will prevail and that no one can escape His righteous hand.
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The Danger of Delay
Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."
Many in Noah’s time believed they had more time to repent, but the flood came suddenly and without warning. Likewise, delaying repentance is a dangerous gamble that could lead to eternal separation from God. Now is the time to respond to His call.
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Summary
God’s warnings are a demonstration of His love and desire for humanity to turn from sin. However, just as in the days of Noah, the time for warning will come to an end. Those who continue in their rebellion will face the consequences of their actions, while those who enter into Christ will find safety and eternal life.
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Conclusion
The days of warning are over, and the time to act is now. God’s patience, though great, is not infinite. We are called to recognize the urgency of repentance and to enter into the ark of safety found in Christ. His judgment is certain, but so is His promise to protect those who abide in Him.
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Call to Action
Examine your life today. Are you living in obedience to God, or are you consumed by the greed for sin? Turn away from the world’s corruption and enter into the safety of Christ. Share this message with others, urging them to heed God’s call before it is too late.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, God is our refuge and strength. No matter the chaos or judgment around us, those who abide in Him will be kept safe. Trust in His promises, remain faithful, and encourage others to do the same. God’s mercy is still available to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
